US Courts

USA v. Alex Ruiz - Criminal Conviction Affirmed

The Ninth Circuit affirmed Alex Ruiz's conviction for transporting illegal aliens. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting evidence of a prior conviction for the same crime under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) and that Ruiz's constitutional arguments were forfeited.

Rojas-Espinoza v. Bondi - Rehearing En Banc Ordered

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered a rehearing en banc for the case Rojas-Espinoza v. Bondi. This action vacates the previous panel's order and indicates a significant reconsideration of the case's legal issues. The court's decision to rehear the case en banc suggests potential implications for immigration law and appellate procedure.

Florida Bar Rule Amendments - Chapter 3

The Florida Supreme Court has adopted amendments to Chapter 3 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, as proposed by The Florida Bar. These amendments, effective February 16, 2026, modify rules concerning the Board of Governors, general procedures, and grievance committee actions.

Heath v. State - Appeal of Post-Conviction Relief Denial

The Florida Supreme Court affirmed the denial of Ronald Palmer Heath's post-conviction relief and habeas corpus petition. His execution is scheduled for February 10, 2026.

Florida Bar Rules Amendment Correction

The Florida Supreme Court has issued a notice of correction for an opinion filed on December 18, 2025, regarding amendments to the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. The correction involves a minor wording change on page 11, subsection (b) Notice to Clients.

Florida Supreme Court Vacates Death Sentence, Upholds Murder Conviction

The Florida Supreme Court vacated Leo Louis Kaczmar, III's death sentence while upholding his murder conviction. The court reversed the grant of penalty-phase relief but affirmed other aspects of the circuit court's order and denied Kaczmar's petition for habeas corpus relief.

In re Lynex Habeas Corpus - Criminal

The California Court of Appeal, 2nd Appellate District, has issued an opinion in the habeas corpus case In re Tommie Lawson Lynex. The case filing date was March 10, 2025, and the opinion is now available.

Court of Appeal orders counsel for Racial Justice Act claim

The California Court of Appeal has ordered a trial court to vacate its denial of a habeas corpus petition filed under the Racial Justice Act. The appellate court found the trial court erred in its application of standards for appointing counsel and addressing successive petitions, directing the lower court to reconsider the case.

SEC v. Gasarch - Securities Fraud Enforcement Appeal

The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit largely affirmed a district court's decision in an SEC civil enforcement action against Zhiying Yvonne Gasarch and others for securities fraud. The appellants participated in a scheme to inflate stock prices through misleading hype and artificial inflation, leading to significant penalties.

Willey v. Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services - Summary Judgment Order

The Delaware Superior Court granted summary judgment for both parties in Willey v. Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services, Inc. The court granted Phoenix Rehabilitation's motion regarding punitive damages and granted Willey's motion concerning three of Phoenix Rehabilitation's affirmative defenses.