In United States v. Robinson, No. 22-10949 (11th Cir. Sept. 28, 2023), the Eleventh Circuit vacates the criminal contempt conviction of a former employee of an enjoined corporation, holding that former employees are not “employees” within the intendment of
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Federal Equitable Power Did Not Extend to Returning Seized Cell Phone to “My Pillow” CEO, Holds Eighth Circuit
In Lindell v. United States, No. 22-3510 (8th Cir. Sept. 23, 2023), the Eighth Circuit affirms a district court’s denial of a preliminary injunction to MyPillow, Inc. and its Chief Executive Officer Michael Lindell to return “Lindell’s cell phone…
Fifth Circuit Judge Expounds on Internal Operations, Castigates Justice Department in Dissent from Denial of Rehearing En Banc
In a dissent from denial of a sua sponte vote for rehearing en banc in a direct federal criminal appeal, United States v. Ramirez, No. 22-50042 (5th Cir. Sept. 19, 2023), Judge Jerry E. Smith rakes over the panel…
Eleventh Circuit Holds That Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1)(A)(ii) Stipulation Must Be Signed by All Parties Who Have Appeared in a Lawsuit to Be Effective, Creating Split with the Fifth Circuit
In City of Jacksonville v. Jacksonville Hospitality Holdings, L.P., No. 22-12419 (11th Cir. Sept. 13, 2023), the Eleventh Circuit holds in a matter of first impression that all parties to a case—not just those directly involved in the dismissal—must…
Tenth Circuit Holds District Court May Not Use Fed. R. Civ. P. 60(b) to Reopen a Case Voluntarily Dismissed Under Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a), Creating Split with the Fifth Circuit
In Waetzig v. Halliburton Energy Services, No. 22-1252 (10th Cir. Sept. 11, 2023), a 2-1 panel of the Tenth Circuit holds that a district court lacks power under Rule 60(b) to reopen a case voluntarily dismissed by a plaintiff…
Eighth Circuit Holds That Stipulations About Citizenship Are Not Binding When Evaluating Diversity Jurisdiction, Signaling a Possible Split with Other Circuits
In Great River Entertainment, LLC v. Zurich American Ins. Co., No. 21-3815 (8th Cir. Sept. 11, 2023), the Eighth Circuit reverses and remands a final judgment dismissing this insurance coverage lawsuit, holding that—despite an admission by the plaintiff in…
Concurring Judge Urges Seventh Circuit to Revisit Spousal Testimonial Privilege as Applied to Co-Conspirators
In United States v. Diggs, No. 22-1502 (7th Cir. Sept. 5, 2023), a concurring judge in an opinion otherwise affirming a criminal conviction urges that the circuit revisit its stance on the spousal testimonial privilege as applied to alleged…
No Leniency for a Pro Se Litigant Who Is Also a Licensed Attorney, holds Ninth Circuit
In Hoffman v. Lindgren, No. 22-35471 (9th Cir. Sept. 1, 2023), the Ninth Circuit resolves an intracircuit split and holds that no leniency is due to pro se litigants who are also licensed, practicing attorneys.
“Huffman, a practicing attorney,…
Third Circuit Dismisses Pre-Enforcement Challenge to Attorney Ethics Rule on Discrimination (Rule 8.4(g)) on Article III Standing Grounds
In Greenberg v. Lehocky, No. 22-1733 (3d Cir. Aug. 29, 2023), the Third Circuit reverses a preliminary injunction against Pennsylvania’s recently adopted professional responsibility rule, PRPC 8.4(g), prohibiting discrimination and harassment in the practice of law. It holds that…
Second Circuit Holds That Party Accused of Fabricating Evidence is Not Entitled to a Jury Trial on a Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(e) Sanctions Motion
In Rossbach v. Montefiore Med. Cntr., No. 21-2084 (2d Cir. Aug. 28, 2023), the Second Circuit joins other courts in holding that the Seventh Amendment does not require a jury trial to evaluate a claim of evidence fabrication and…