Verdict . News

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

5th Circuit Upholds Dismissal in Drug Test Reporting Dispute

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's dismissal of Joseph Marks' lawsuit against Clinichek Corp. over a marijuana test report to federal regulators. Marks challenged the medical review company's authority to report positive drug tests to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration clearinghouse.

•Fifth Circuit affirmed dismissal of lawsuit challenging drug test reporting authority

•Transportation company owner failed to establish viable claims against medical review service

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Fifth Circuit Reviews Maritime Fuel Dispute Involving Greek Bulk Carrier

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is reviewing a complex maritime dispute involving unpaid fuel bills for the M/V Argos M bulk carrier. The case pits international commodity trader Three Fifty Markets against the vessel and its owner Argos Bulkers in consolidated admiralty proceedings that could impact maritime fuel supply practices.

•Fifth Circuit reviews maritime fuel dispute involving unpaid bunker bills for Greek bulk carrier M/V Argos M

•International commodity trader Three Fifty Markets seeks payment after German charterer and guarantor defaulted

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

6th Circuit Vacates GM Discrimination Ruling After Supreme Court Decision

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court's dismissal of a male employee's sex discrimination claim against General Motors, following the Supreme Court's decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services that eliminated the background-circumstances pleading requirement for reverse discrimination cases.

•Sixth Circuit vacated district court dismissal of GM employee's sex discrimination claim following Supreme Court's Ames decision

•Supreme Court eliminated background-circumstances pleading requirement for reverse discrimination cases in 2025

•Eighth Circuit affirmed dismissal of religious discrimination claims against Minnesota Department of Human Services

8th Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Religious Discrimination Claims

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's dismissal of religious discrimination claims brought by Benjamin Zarn against the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The case involved allegations under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Minnesota state laws.

•District court dismissed state law claims for lack of jurisdiction and granted summary judgment on federal claims

•Eighth Circuit affirmed jury verdict against Minnesota Medical University and Philip Keithahn for construction fraud and breach of contract

8th Circuit Affirms Jury Verdict Against Medical University in Construction Fraud Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed a jury verdict finding Minnesota Medical University and Philip Keithahn liable for breach of contract, indemnification, negligent misrepresentation, and fraud by omission in a construction dispute. The case stemmed from a failed osteopathic medical school project in Gaylord, Minnesota.

•Case involved failed osteopathic medical school project in Gaylord, Minnesota with bond financing structure

•Eighth Circuit affirmed district court's dismissal of excessive force claim against Minneapolis police officer

8th Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Excessive Force Claim Against Minneapolis Officer

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed a district court's dismissal of an excessive force lawsuit filed by Debbie Tucker against Minneapolis Police Officer Alejandro Boldo. Tucker claimed Boldo used excessive force when he closed a car door on her leg during a traffic stop.

•Incident occurred during traffic stop of vehicle illegally parked in handicapped spot with driver who had outstanding felony warrants

•Eighth Circuit rejected Second Amendment challenge to federal felon-in-possession law

8th Circuit Rejects Second Amendment Challenge to Felon Gun Ban

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit rejected a constitutional challenge to federal law prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. Juwan Crawford argued that 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) violated his Second Amendment rights, but the court upheld existing precedent affirming the statute's constitutionality.

•Crawford pleaded guilty while reserving right to appeal constitutional question

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

3rd Circuit Issues Precedential Immigration Detention Ruling

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued a precedential decision in consolidated immigration detention cases involving detainees Adolph Michelin and Adewumi Abioye challenging their confinement at Moshannon Valley facilities.

•Third Circuit issued precedential ruling in consolidated immigration detention cases on Feb. 2, 2026

•Cases involved detainees Michelin and Abioye challenging confinement at Moshannon Valley facilities

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

6th Circuit Upholds Gun Enhancement in Drug Trafficking Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed a two-point sentencing enhancement for weapon possession in a federal drug trafficking case. Christopher Springfield challenged the enhancement after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base.

•Sixth Circuit affirmed two-point sentencing enhancement for weapon possession in drug trafficking case

•Springfield pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base