Topic
Every decision we've filed under Constitutional.
The Fifth Circuit affirmed a life sentence for kidnapping resulting in death, rejecting claims of insufficient evidence. The court also dismissed a constitutional speedy trial challenge and a Commerce Clause argument.
The Seventh Circuit affirmed the denial of a motion to suppress evidence found in a backpack seized during an arrest in a public parking lot. The court held that the inventory search exception to the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement authorized the officers' actions under the circumstances.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court order dismissing state-law claims and deferring federal claims under the Pullman abstention doctrine. The panel held that the case involved sensitive land-use policy where a state-court ruling could resolve the controversy.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of a challenge to an Arizona Supreme Court rule governing reciprocal bar admission. The panel held that the plaintiff's arguments were foreclosed by prior circuit precedent and that the pre-filing order against the attorney was appropriate.
The First Circuit vacated a federal district court's denial of a habeas petition because the lower court failed to review essential trial testimony. The appellate court held that the district court could not evaluate the state court's Brady claim without a transcript of a key witness's testimony.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit dismissed portions of an appeal regarding qualified immunity while affirming the denial of immunity on other claims. The court held that it lacked jurisdiction to review Heck doctrine arguments and factual disputes, but found that genuine issues of material fact precluded summary judgment on Brady and malicious prosecution claims.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a takings claim brought by oyster farmers. The court held that Louisiana statutes subordinate oyster leases to government actions taken for coastal protection, preventing a cognizable property interest under the Fifth Amendment.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit enforced an appeal waiver contained in a defendant's plea agreement. The court dismissed the defendant's appeal regarding his conviction and sentence.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the denial of a federal prisoner's motion to vacate his sentence. The court held that trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to file a notice of appeal and that counsel was not deficient for failing to object to a supervised release term that did not exceed the statutory maximum.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the denial of a motion to dissolve a limited filing injunction against a licensed attorney. The court held that a letter clearing the attorney of professional misconduct did not constitute a significant change in circumstances warranting relief.