2nd Circuit Court of Appeals

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.

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.

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.

Care One LLC v NLRB - Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's denial of a preliminary injunction sought by Care One LLC and affiliated healthcare facilities. The facilities sought to halt NLRB proceedings, arguing the ALJ's appointment was invalid due to a lack of quorum. The court found the plaintiffs could not demonstrate irreparable harm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GEICO v. Mayzenberg - Insurance Reimbursement Dispute

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court judgment in favor of GEICO in GEICO v. Mayzenberg. The court remanded the case after the New York Court of Appeals clarified that an insurer cannot deny no-fault benefits based solely on alleged professional misconduct that does not involve ceding control of a professional services corporation to an unlicensed party.

Peña Garcia v. Department of Labor - Workers' Compensation

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for review in Peña Garcia v. Department of Labor. The court affirmed the denial of reimbursement for medical cannabis-infused edibles under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, citing federal law classifying marijuana as a Schedule I substance.