Federal Courts

Miller v. Lamanna - Appeal of Dismissal

The Second Circuit vacated a district court's dismissal of a former corrections officer's discrimination and retaliation claims. The appellate court found the district court erred by converting a summary judgment motion into a Rule 12(b)(6) dismissal, considering only the complaint's allegations despite extensive discovery. The case is remanded for further proceedings.

Safdieh v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue - Tax Penalties

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue can assess penalties for failing to report control of a foreign business under I.R.C. § 6038(b). The court vacated a Tax Court order that had granted summary judgment to the taxpayer, Joseph Safdieh, and remanded the case for further proceedings.

US v Jimenez - Ammunition Possession Conviction Affirmed

The Second Circuit affirmed a district court's judgment against William Jimenez, who pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition after a felony conviction. The court upheld the special conditions of supervised release, including electronic device searches and mental health counseling, and affirmed the 105-month sentence.

Reidy Contracting Group v. Mt. Hawley Insurance - Additional Insured Status

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision, holding that Reidy Contracting Group was an additional insured under Mt. Hawley Insurance Company's policy. The court found that the Employers Liability Exclusion was ambiguous and must be construed against Mt. Hawley.

United States v. Woods - Competency to Stand Trial

The Second Circuit affirmed a district court's order extending a defendant's hospitalization beyond the initial four-month period while the government decided whether to seek civil commitment. The court addressed challenges to the order's mootness and the district court's authority to prolong hospitalization.

Matusak v. Daminski - Excessive Force and Qualified Immunity Appeal

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision granting qualified immunity to two Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies. The court found that while the jury determined excessive force was used, the officers' belief that the suspect posed a threat was objectively reasonable, and no clearly established law prohibited their actions.

Broadcast Music, Inc. v. North American Concert Promoters Association - Antitrust

The Second Circuit vacated a district court's decision regarding music licensing fees set by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) for concert promoters. The court found the imposed rates and expanded definition of gross revenues to be unreasonable and remanded the case for further proceedings.

B.B. v. Hochul - Due Process Rights in Foster Care

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed in part and affirmed in part a district court's decision in B.B. v. Hochul. The court found that plaintiffs, minors in foster care, have standing to sue New York over its certification scheme for foster parents, which they allege violates their due process rights. The case is remanded for further proceedings.

United States v. Aryeetey - Conviction Appeal Affirmation

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence of Ivanjoel Aryeetey for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court found no abuse of discretion in the admission of DNA evidence and deemed the sentence substantively reasonable.

US v. Cardenas - Cocaine Import Conspiracy Appeal

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the conviction of Jey James Roldan Cardenas for conspiracy to import cocaine. The court found that the district court erred in excluding evidence relevant to Cardenas's defense of lacking criminal intent, remanding the case for further proceedings.