Federal Courts

Cox v. Gritman Medical Center - Personal Jurisdiction Ruling

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a district court's dismissal in Cox v. Gritman Medical Center, finding personal jurisdiction over Idaho-based defendants in a wrongful death action brought by Washington residents. The court held that defendants cultivated treatment relationships with Washington residents and transmitted prescriptions to Washington pharmacies, satisfying the long-arm statute and Due Process Clause.

Ackerman v. Arkema Incorporated - Tolling of State Statute of Limitations

The Fifth Circuit affirmed a district court's decision dismissing state law claims against Arkema Incorporated as untimely. The court held that Texas law does not recognize cross-jurisdictional tolling of statutes of limitations, meaning a federal class action does not pause the clock for individual state court filings.

Cadence Bank v. Johnson - Appeal of Summary Judgment on Loan Guarantees

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a summary judgment against appellants Cole Wayne and Cord Henry Johnson, holding them liable as guarantors for loans made by Cadence Bank and Century Bank. The court found complete diversity existed, allowing the case to proceed, and upheld the district court's ruling that the Johnsons were personally liable for Bridgelink Engineering LLC's defaulted loans.

Jackson v. Tarrant County - Redistricting Appeal

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of a preliminary injunction in a redistricting case involving Tarrant County, Texas. Appellants argued that the county commissioners court redrew precinct lines to harm racial minorities and that staggered elections justified intervention. The court found insufficient evidence for racial discrimination and rejected the argument for intervention based on staggered elections.

Brittney Kennedy v. City of Arlington - Appeal of Constitutional Claims Dismissal

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of constitutional claims brought by Brittney Kennedy against the City of Arlington. The claims alleged violations of due process and duty of care during a police cadet training exercise that resulted in Marquis Kennedy's death. The court found no plausible constitutional violation.

Media Matters v. X Corp. - Mandamus Petition Granted in Part

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals granted in part Media Matters' petition for a writ of mandamus, vacating the district court's order denying a venue transfer. The case involves a lawsuit filed by X Corp. against Media Matters over articles critical of X Corp.'s advertising practices.

General Motors Corp. v. Urban Gorilla, LLC - Trade Dress Infringement

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's denial of a preliminary injunction sought by General Motors against Urban Gorilla, LLC. GM alleged that Urban Gorilla's body kits infringed on GM's trade dress rights for its Hummer vehicles. The court found GM failed to show a strong likelihood of success on the merits.

US v. Kelly - Sentencing Appeal

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the resentencing of Ronald Daniel Kelly for possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. The court found no error in the district court's determination of the drug quantity and the resulting sentence.

Vigil v. South Valley Academy - Court Order on Briefs

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision in Vigil v. South Valley Academy, granting the parties' request for a decision on briefs without oral argument. The court found no error in the district court's grant of summary judgment and qualified immunity to the defendants.

Kanelakos v. Astrue - Social Security Disability Appeal

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals substituted Michael J. Astrue for Jo Anne B. Barnhart as appellee in the case of James L. Kanelakos v. Michael J. Astrue. The court granted the parties' request for a decision on the briefs without oral argument, reversing and remanding the case with instructions to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.