Verdict . News

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 7, 2026•4 min read

Fifth Circuit Upholds Police Use of Force in League City Tackle Case

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's dismissal of an excessive force lawsuit filed by Yoni Orli Perdomo against League City police officers. Perdomo suffered serious head injuries when officers tackled him to the ground after he allegedly repeatedly struck an officer during a May 2022 confrontation.

•Fifth Circuit affirmed dismissal of excessive force lawsuit against League City police officers

•Yoni Perdomo suffered serious head injuries when tackled to concrete after allegedly striking officer

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 7, 2026•2 min read

8th Circuit Reviews Minnesota Sex Offender Civil Commitment Lawsuit

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit is hearing a major class action lawsuit challenging Minnesota's civil commitment program for sex offenders. Fourteen plaintiffs representing a broader class are suing state officials for alleged constitutional violations.

•Class action involves 14 named plaintiffs representing potentially hundreds of civilly committed individuals in Minnesota

•Defendants include high-ranking state officials sued in both personal and official capacities

Regulatory

•Justice Department filed federal lawsuits against Arizona and Connecticut for failing to provide voter registration lists

DOJ Sues Arizona and Connecticut Over Voter Registration Records

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division filed federal lawsuits against Arizona and Connecticut for failing to provide complete voter registration lists upon request. The enforcement action brings the total number of states facing similar federal litigation to 23 plus the District of Columbia.

•Total enforcement actions now cover 23 states plus DC in nationwide compliance campaign

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

3rd Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Pro Se Civil Rights Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit summarily affirmed a district court's dismissal of a civil rights complaint filed by Abrahim Fata against Charles and Martha Lang. The court upheld the lower court's decision to dismiss conspiracy allegations as frivolous under federal in forma pauperis statutes.

•Third Circuit summarily affirmed dismissal of pro se civil rights complaint filed by Abrahim Fata

•District court dismissed conspiracy allegations as frivolous under federal in forma pauperis statute

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 6, 2026•5 min read

4th Circuit Issues Split Ruling in Baltimore Police Discrimination Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit delivered a mixed decision in Wanda Johnson v. Baltimore City, affirming parts of a lower court ruling while reversing others in a civil rights case against the Baltimore Police Department. The January 6, 2026 ruling drew a dissenting opinion and sends portions back to district court.

•Fourth Circuit partially reversed district court dismissal of discrimination claims against Baltimore Police Department

•Case involves Title VII racial discrimination and retaliation allegations by former police department employee

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

8th Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment for Iowa Officers in Civil Rights Case

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's summary judgment in favor of Iowa police officers and municipalities in a Section 1983 civil rights lawsuit. Plaintiffs Rene Valdivia and Alexis Free had successfully suppressed evidence and obtained dismissal of all criminal charges in state court before filing their federal civil rights claims.

•State court granted motions to suppress evidence and dismissed all criminal charges

•Eighth Circuit affirmed district court's summary judgment for all defendants

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Tenth Circuit Reviews Police Search Without Arrest in Montgomery v. Cruz

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit issued a published opinion January 6, 2026, in Montgomery v. Cruz examining whether a police officer can justify searching a suspect's pockets and wallet without making an actual arrest. The case addresses the boundaries of Fourth Amendment protections when officers have probable cause but don't arrest.

•Tenth Circuit examines whether police can search suspects with probable cause but no actual arrest

•Published decision will set precedent for six-state Tenth Circuit jurisdiction

Second Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 5, 2026•4 min read

Second Circuit Affirms District Court in Clarke v. GEICO Appeal

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed a lower court judgment in a case involving Dr. Colin Clarke and his medical practice against multiple GEICO insurance companies. The January 5, 2026 summary order concluded an appeal that arose from civil RICO actions brought by GEICO.

•Second Circuit affirmed district court judgment against Dr. Colin Clarke and his medical practice in dispute with multiple GEICO insurance companies

•Case originated from civil RICO actions brought by GEICO against the medical practice

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 5, 2026•4 min read

11th Circuit Reverses District Court in Qualified Immunity Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit reversed a district court's denial of a qualified immunity motion, ruling the lower court erred by calling the motion 'premature' before discovery was complete.

•Eleventh Circuit reversed district court's denial of qualified immunity motion as 'premature'

•Court held that qualified immunity claims must be ruled on promptly, not deferred until after discovery