Courts & Litigation

Hebert v. Donahue - Insurance Policy Dispute

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision regarding the proceeds of a federal life insurance policy. The court found that the designation of beneficiaries was valid, awarding the proceeds to the deceased's ex-wife and sons rather than his estate.

Supreme Court: Delaware affidavit law not applicable in federal court

The Supreme Court ruled that Delaware's affidavit of merit law does not apply in federal court for medical malpractice cases. The Court held that Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8, which requires a 'short and plain statement of the claim,' displaces contrary state pleading rules.

Stokinger v. Armslist, LLC - Personal Jurisdiction in Online Marketplaces

The First Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed a case concerning personal jurisdiction over Armslist, LLC, an online marketplace for firearms. The court affirmed in part and vacated in part the district court's dismissal of claims related to a firearm sale facilitated by the website.

Supreme Court: Reasonable Time Limit Applies to Void Judgment Motions

The Supreme Court ruled that the "reasonable time" limit under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(c)(1) applies to motions seeking to vacate void judgments under Rule 60(b)(4). This decision clarifies the procedural requirements for challenging judgments based on alleged defects in service.

Alicea v. Cincinnati Incorporated - Court Opinion

The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court's summary judgment in favor of Cincinnati Incorporated in a product liability case. The court found a material factual dispute regarding the design defect claim for a laser-cutting system that caused a fatal accident. The ruling allows the estate's design-related claims to proceed.

Supreme Court Rules on Mandatory Victims Restitution Act

The Supreme Court ruled that restitution under the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act (MVRA) constitutes criminal punishment for Ex Post Facto Clause purposes. The Court reversed the Eighth Circuit's decision, holding that the MVRA's restitution provisions are criminal sanctions, not civil remedies.

Supreme Court Rules on Habeas Corpus for Attempted Murder Conviction

The Supreme Court granted summary relief in Klein v. Martin, reversing the Fourth Circuit's decision to award a new trial. The Court found the Fourth Circuit departed from the strict standards governing federal habeas relief under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA).

Supreme Court January 2026 Order List

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its January 20, 2026 order list, including grants, denials, and miscellaneous orders. Notably, the Court granted certiorari in Tennessee v. Kennedy, vacating the judgment and remanding with instructions to dismiss the case as moot.

Supreme Court Order List - Certiorari Grants and Denials

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued its order list for January 26, 2026, detailing grants and denials of certiorari, as well as miscellaneous orders in pending cases. This list includes vacating and remanding one case for further consideration and denying a motion for leave to file a petition for a writ of certiorari with an indigency declaration under seal.

Cusick v. DOJ - Affirmation of District Court Dismissal

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision dismissing a lawsuit challenging federal firearm prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and § 922(g)(4). The court found the challenge to § 922(g)(1) foreclosed by precedent, and other claims were dismissed based on the initial ruling.