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Tenth Circuit Upholds New Mexico Stream Access Victory

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit affirmed New Mexico's constitutional right to public water access, upholding injunctions previously secured by Attorney General Raúl Torrez against private landowners on the Pecos River. The appellate ruling rejected landowners' appeal of a federal district court decision that found New Mexicans have the right to use and enjoy public waters for recreation. The court prohibited landowners from erecting obstructions or posting signs interfering with established public fishing and recreation rights.

Carter v. Dupuy - Excessive Force, Qualified Immunity

The Fifth Circuit reversed the district court's denial of summary judgment for defendants Chad Dupuy and Sheriff Jason Ard on plaintiff Amanda Carter's Fourth Amendment excessive force claim. The court held that Dupuy's actions—grasping Carter's arm, attempting to drag her through the doorway, and briefly pushing her out of the office—constituted de minimis force that was not clearly excessive or unreasonable under the circumstances. The court applied the Graham v. Connor totality-of-circumstances test, finding Dupuy entitled to qualified immunity because no constitutional violation occurred when the force was minimal, lasted at most four seconds, and ceased immediately once Carter was outside.

Brown v. Salcido - Ninth Circuit Denies Intervention Motion

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of a motion to intervene filed by 185 Google Chrome users (the Salcido plaintiffs) seeking to appeal the denial of class certification for damages in a lawsuit alleging Google improperly collected Incognito mode user data. The court applied a three-factor timeliness test for intervention motions and held that all factors weighed against intervention: the stage of proceedings was unfavorable, intervening would prejudice Google and the named plaintiffs by likely unraveling the existing settlement, and the three-month delay lacked justification. The ruling reinforces that intervention motions filed near the end of class settlements face a high bar.

Maryland AG Sues DC Water Over Potomac Interceptor Sewage Spill

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and the Maryland Department of the Environment filed a lawsuit in Montgomery County Circuit Court against DC Water for violations of state water pollution laws stemming from a January 2026 rupture of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that discharged an estimated 240 million gallons of raw sewage over eight days. The complaint seeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for each violation, reimbursement for all environmental testing and cleanup costs, natural resource damages, and a court order permanently prohibiting future unauthorized discharges.

Intuitive Surgical Electrosurgical Generator Control Patent Granted

The USPTO granted Patent US12605197B2 to Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. on April 21, 2026. The patent covers an electrosurgical system with RF power delivery between electrodes, measurement circuitry for current and voltage, and processing circuitry using a proportional-integral-derivative control loop. The 17 claims address dynamic control of RF power based on measured current, voltage, calculated power, and calculated impedance.

Tesla v Pelinkovic: Crypto Partnership Claim Dismissed for Failure to Plead Joint Venture Elements

The Second Circuit affirmed dismissal of Matthew Tesla's lawsuit against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Doug Pelinkovic, rejecting Tesla's claim that the two formed a crypto investment partnership or joint venture. The federal court in the Southern District of New York found that Tesla failed to plead essential elements of partnership under New York law, including failure to contribute capital, lack of commingled property, no evidence of joint management or control, and an insufficient "backstop losses" offer. The court held that Tesla's contributions amounted to "an act of friendship, not partnership."

Wayne Morris Flood Probation Revocation Reversed

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the Hickman County Circuit Court's probation revocation for defendant Wayne Morris Flood. The trial court had revoked his eight-year sentence for possession with intent to sell methamphetamine and ordered him to serve the remainder in confinement. The appellate court found the trial court abused its discretion and remanded for reinstatement to probation.

Circuit Splits from March 2026: Appellate Court Disagreements on Qualified Immunity, ADA, First Step Act

The Congressional Research Service published a Legal Sidebar summarizing circuit splits that emerged from U.S. Courts of Appeals decisions in March 2026. Three circuit conflicts are discussed: the Eleventh Circuit's split with the Fifth and Tenth Circuits on qualified immunity and personal liability under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 and the FMLA; the Eleventh Circuit's split with the Fifth Circuit on Olmstead claims under Title II of the ADA for individuals at risk of institutionalization; and the Second Circuit's split with the Ninth Circuit on whether First Step Act time credits can reduce the period of supervised release under 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4). The report does not create new obligations but tracks appellate disagreement on federal law interpretation.

Sensor Enabled Therapeutic Wound and Tissue Monitor US12605530B1

The USPTO granted Patent US12605530B1 to inventors Jeffrey A. Niezgoda, Eric J. Roberts, and Jonathan A. Niezgoda on April 21, 2026. The patent covers a therapeutic wound monitoring device featuring an external gas/moisture impermeable layer, a semipermeable internal layer, a fluid-absorbing spacer layer, and a flexible film-based circuit board with processor, sensors, and wireless transceiver. The device is designed for continuous wound monitoring with data transmission capabilities.

Patrick Clancy v. Matthew Pearman - Negligence Appeal

The Court of Appeals of Virginia reversed in part the Circuit Court of Albemarle County's summary judgment in a negligence action brought by a high-school soccer player who suffered an exertional heat injury during an optional conditioning session held during a heat advisory. The appellate court held that genuine issues of material fact remain regarding gross negligence, assumption of risk, and contributory negligence, precluding summary judgment. The court also affirmed the trial court's exclusion of the plaintiff's expert witness, holding that only a medical doctor is qualified to testify as to causation of physical injury under Virginia law.

Rasheed Azali Mells v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Appeal Affirmed

The Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court of Fluvanna County's denial of a motion to suppress evidence obtained during a vehicle search. The appellate court held that the vehicle was located within the curtilage of the dwelling and the search warrant expressly authorized the search of any vehicles on the property. The court also upheld the denial of suppression of statements, finding no coercion and that a subsequent confession regarding drugs and firearms was made after proper Miranda warnings.

City of Norfolk v. Pretty Lake 5757 LLC — Ejectment and Land Dispute Affirmed

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the Circuit Court of the City of Norfolk's judgment in a land dispute between the City of Norfolk and Pretty Lake 5757 LLC. The appellate court upheld findings that the City's adverse possession claim failed, the statute of limitations defense for ejectment claims was not adequately pled, the City's right of way was limited to public transportation use, and the City did not adequately prove compensation for improvements. The court also affirmed exclusion of witnesses as no abuse of discretion.

Bozarth v. Shelton - Trial Court Did Not Err Dismissing Annulment Action

The Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court of Chesterfield County's dismissal of an annulment action, holding that marriages involving a party mentally incapable of consenting are voidable rather than void ab initio. The court further held that the death of one spouse extinguishes a court's subject matter jurisdiction to terminate a voidable marriage, and that such a marriage cannot be collaterally attacked by a third party after a spouse's death. The plaintiff, as administrator of the decedent's estate, lacked standing to challenge the marriage post-mortem.

Timothy Barrett Sr v. State of Florida - 3.850 Postconviction Appeal Affirmed

The Fifth District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed the Circuit Court for Lake County's denial of Timothy Barrett Sr.'s Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850 postconviction motion. The appellant appeared pro se; the State did not file a response brief. The appellate panel issued a per curiam affirmance with no written opinion beyond the disposition.

Jamal T. Jackson v. State of Florida Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Florida Sixth District Court of Appeal affirmed Jamal T. Jackson's criminal appeal from the Circuit Court for Orange County. The per curiam decision, citing no specific legal reasoning, affirmed the lower court judgment. The appeal was brought pursuant to Fla. R. App. P. 9.141(b)(2).

Justus Pierce v. State of Florida - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Sixth District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed a criminal judgment from Lee County Circuit Court. Appellant Justus Pierce's conviction and sentence remain unchanged following appellate review.

G.H. v. Sotomayor - School Board Employees' Demurrer Affirmed

The Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court of the City of Virginia Beach's judgment sustaining demurrer to G.H.'s second amended complaint. The court found the claims for gross negligence and violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 legally insufficient. Regarding gross negligence, the actions of bus driver assistant Avila were not reasonably foreseeable such that liability could attach to the employee defendants. Regarding the § 1983 claim, the court found the defendants were not deliberately indifferent to G.H.'s Fourteenth Amendment rights. This is a non-precedential memorandum opinion.

Commonwealth of Virginia v. John Antonio Fennell - Speedy Trial

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the Henry County Circuit Court's dismissal of five felony indictments against John Antonio Fennell, finding the trial court did not err in dismissing the charges as the statutory speedy trial deadline under Va. Code § 19.2-243 had passed. The court rejected the Commonwealth's argument that the period Fennell sought counsel tolled his speedy trial rights, and found the approbate-reprobate doctrine inapplicable where no previous affirmative inconsistent representation was made.

Micaiah Lufcy v. Sarah Lufcy N/K/A Sarah Tolfa

The Fifth District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed a Circuit Court ruling in a domestic relations case between Micaiah Lufcy and Sarah Lufcy (n/k/a Sarah Tolfa). The appellate court, per curiam, upheld the lower court's decision without issuing a written opinion explaining its reasoning. All three participating justices concurred.

Bunsee v. State of Florida - Affirmed - First District

The First District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed the Circuit Court for Escambia County in Case 1D2024-3145, Bunsee v. State of Florida. The appellant Wesley Bunsee's appeal was denied per curiam, with Judges Roberts, Ray, and Treadwell concurring. No substantive opinion or legal reasoning was published.

Symonette v. Symonette - Affirmed

The Fifth District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed the Circuit Court for Lake County in Symonette v. Symonette, Case No. 5D2025-1780. The appellant Thomas B. Symonette was represented by counsel from Emrick Family Law Firm; the appellee Mary M. Bradley (n/k/a Mary Symonette) was represented by counsel from The Carlyle Appellate Law Firm. The per curiam affirmance was issued without a written opinion.

Aron Rodriguez-Villasana v. State of Florida - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Sixth District Court of Appeal affirmed the Circuit Court for Polk County in a criminal appeal brought by pro se defendant Aron Rodriguez-Villasana. The per curiam disposition affirmed the lower tribunal's ruling. The defendant appeared pro se; the State was represented by the Florida Attorney General's office.

Matthew Lucas Wade v. State of Florida - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Fifth District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed Matthew Lucas Wade's conviction from Citrus County Circuit Court. The per curiam decision states only 'AFFIRMED' with Justices Edwards, Boatwright, and Maciver concurring. No written opinion was issued.

Zakariya Daud Clarke v. State of Florida — Postconviction Appeal Affirmed

The Fifth District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed a Rule 3.850 postconviction order from the Circuit Court for Clay County, Case No. 5D2025-0067. The appellant, Zakariya Daud Clarke, appeared pro se. The judgment was affirmed with no published opinion; no substantive legal holdings were issued.

Push-Pull Transmitter Circuit with Reflection Signal Attenuator for Communication System

USPTO published patent application US20260100866A1 for a push-pull transmitter circuit with integrated reflection signal attenuator for communication systems. The invention by Tasuku Yuguchi and Naoki Inoue includes rectifier elements and voltage cap elements designed to isolate reflection signals from communication signals. The application (No. 19330786) was filed September 16, 2025.

US v. Ponzo - Criminal Appeal

The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued a published opinion in US v. Ponzo, a criminal appeal originating from the District of Massachusetts in Boston. The docket number is 25-1259. The specific holding and disposition of the appeal are contained in the full opinion document.

Garten Trucking LC v NLRB - Enforcement of Labor Order

The Fourth Circuit granted the NLRB's application for enforcement and denied Garten Trucking LC's petition for review, affirming that Garten violated Sections 158(a)(1) and (3) of the National Labor Relations Act. The court found that Garten supervisors interrogated employees about union activity, that co-owner Tommy Garten made coercive threats at company meetings about contract loss and facility shutdown, that Garten improperly disciplined employees for union activity without an honest belief in misconduct, and that Garten's solicitation policy was overbroad.

Computer-Readable Recording Medium Storing Quantum Circuit Information Generation Program

The USPTO published patent application US20260099745A1 filed by Fujitsu Limited on October 7, 2024. The application covers a quantum circuit information generation program that specifies partial circuit types in target quantum circuits and stores circuit information with reference capabilities. The invention is classified under CPC G06N 10/20.

Systolic Parallel Galois Hash Computing Device Patent Grant

USPTO granted Patent US12596530B2 to Secturion Systems, Inc. for a systolic parallel Galois hash computing device. The invention comprises multiple circuits processing data packets using multipliers and exclusive-OR gates to compute Galois hashes, applicable in FPGA and integrated circuit implementations. The patent includes 19 claims covering the hardware architecture for cryptographic hash operations in networking applications.

Motor Drive Circuit for Mechanical Circulatory Support Device Patent Application

USPTO published patent application US20260097195A1 for a motor drive circuit designed for mechanical circulatory support devices such as ventricular assist devices. The invention discloses methods for generating PWM drive signals, selectively filtering the signals, sensing back EMF to determine rotor position, and modifying drive signals accordingly. Inventors include Hisham Hafez, Johannes Visser, and Verena Zscherlich.

Harris v. Muhammad

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a published opinion in Harris v. Muhammad (No. 24-3307) on February 4, 2026. The court resolved an appeal with a final judgment. No specific compliance obligations, penalties, or forward-looking deadlines are established by this ruling for external parties.

Waldman v. Palestine Liberation Org. - Terrorism Damages

The Second Circuit decided motions in consolidated terrorism damages cases Waldman v. PLO (15-3135-cv) and Sokolow v. PLO, reducing the prior $218.5 million judgment. The court addressed damages for terrorist attacks in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The decision affects how civil damages are calculated in terrorism-related cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Florida Appeals Court Bars Pro Se Filings and Imposes Sanctions

The Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal has prohibited Lamar Jay Fullmer from making any further pro se filings concerning a specific past case due to abuse of the legal process. The court directed the Clerk of Court not to accept any future pro se filings from Fullmer for that case and to forward the opinion for consideration of disciplinary proceedings.