3d Circuit Case Commentaries

Overbroad Multi-Unit Warrant Not Suppressed Absent a Franks Showing of Knowing or Reckless Omission

Date: Sep 2, 2026

Overbroad Multi-Unit Warrant Not Suppressed Absent a Franks Showing of Knowing or Reckless Omission 1. Introduction In United States v. Omar Bernard (3d Cir. Sept. 1, 2026) (nonprecedential), the...

Third Circuit Upholds § 922(g)(5)(B): “Allegiance-Based” Historical Tradition Supports Disarming Nonimmigrant Visa Holders Under Bruen

Date: Sep 2, 2026

Third Circuit Upholds § 922(g)(5)(B): “Allegiance-Based” Historical Tradition Supports Disarming Nonimmigrant Visa Holders Under Bruen I. Introduction In United States v. Diego Aleman-Lozano (3d Cir....

United States v. Berger: Machine-Gun Bans Survive Bruen Step Two; NFA Silencer Registration Treated as a Non-Infringing “Shall-Issue” Condition

Date: Sep 2, 2026

United States v. Berger: Machine-Gun Bans Survive Bruen Step Two; NFA Silencer Registration Treated as a Non-Infringing “Shall-Issue” Condition 1. Introduction In United States v. Joseph Berger (3d...

Third Circuit: A Change in Law Is Not a “New Fact” Supporting Statutory Reopening Under 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(7)

Date: Sep 2, 2026

Third Circuit: A Change in Law Is Not a “New Fact” Supporting Statutory Reopening Under 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(7) I. Introduction In Jose Aristy-Rosa v. Attorney General United States of America (3d...

United States v. McIver : No Interlocutory Appeal for Selective/Vindictive Prosecution Denials; Speech or Debate Clause Does Not Immunize Non‑Legislative Physical Interference During Oversight Visits

Date: Aug 29, 2026

United States v. McIver: No Interlocutory Appeal for Selective/Vindictive Prosecution Denials; Speech or Debate Clause Does Not Immunize Non‑Legislative Physical Interference During Oversight Visits...

Third Circuit: No Interlocutory Appeal for Selective/Vindictive-Prosecution Denials; Legislative Immunity Limited to Speech or Debate—Remand Required for Overbroad § 111 Count

Date: Aug 29, 2026

Third Circuit: No Interlocutory Appeal for Selective/Vindictive-Prosecution Denials; Legislative Immunity Limited to Speech or Debate—Remand Required for Overbroad § 111 Count Introduction United...

CAT-Only Petitions After Removal Are Moot Absent Redressable Collateral Consequences or a Realistic Path to Return

Date: Aug 28, 2026

CAT-Only Petitions After Removal Are Moot Absent Redressable Collateral Consequences or a Realistic Path to Return Case: Jose Mejia-Henriquez v. Attorney General United States of America (3d Cir....

Rule 41(g) Return of Seized Domain Denied Where OFAC Sanctions Bar Lawful Possession

Date: Aug 28, 2026

Rule 41(g) Return of Seized Domain Denied Where OFAC Sanctions Bar Lawful Possession (Entitlement Assessed at Time of Motion) 1. Introduction In Timofey V v. United States (3d Cir. Aug. 25, 2026),...

Unconditional Guilty Pleas Waive Statute-of-Limitations Appeals; Broad Limitations Waivers in Plea Agreements Survive Plea Withdrawal

Date: Aug 28, 2026

Unconditional Guilty Pleas Waive Statute-of-Limitations Appeals; Broad Limitations Waivers in Plea Agreements Survive Plea Withdrawal 1. Introduction In United States v. Luis Figueroa (3d Cir. Aug....

Third Circuit: Time-Barred § 1983 Claims, No Standing Without Credible Threat of Enforcement, and Conclusory “Conspiracy” Allegations Cannot Salvage a Murky Complaint

Date: Aug 27, 2026

Third Circuit: Time-Barred § 1983 Claims, No Standing Without Credible Threat of Enforcement, and Conclusory “Conspiracy” Allegations Cannot Salvage a Murky Complaint 1. Introduction In Andre Boyer...

Express Reservation + Needed Factual Development Defeats Implied Waiver of FAA Arbitration Rights

Date: Aug 27, 2026

Express Reservation + Needed Factual Development Defeats Implied Waiver of FAA Arbitration Rights Case: Jane Parkin v. Avis Rent a Car System LLC (captioned defendants include Budget Rent A Car...

Silence Is Not “Affirmative Non‑Opposition”: Administrative Closure Requires an Explicit DHS Indication Under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(l)(3)

Date: Aug 27, 2026

Silence Is Not “Affirmative Non‑Opposition”: Administrative Closure Requires an Explicit DHS Indication Under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(l)(3) 1. Introduction In Ayman Mohamady-Abdelghaffar v. Attorney...

Indiana Sexual Battery “By Force or Imminent Threat of Force” Is a CIMT and May Be Treated as a Particularly Serious Crime

Date: Aug 27, 2026

Indiana Sexual Battery “By Force or Imminent Threat of Force” Is a CIMT and May Be Treated as a Particularly Serious Crime Case: Kudzai Shonhai v. Attorney General United States of America (3d Cir....

No Implied Waiver of Arbitration Against Unnamed Class Members Before They Become Parties

Date: Aug 27, 2026

No Implied Waiver of Arbitration Against Unnamed Class Members Before They Become Parties 1. Introduction Roger Salvatora v. XTO Energy Inc (3d Cir. Aug. 24, 2026) is an interlocutory appeal arising...

Exhaustion-Enforced Waiver and CAT Acquiescence: Failure to Challenge Nexus Before the BIA Bars Asylum/Withholding Review

Date: Aug 25, 2026

Exhaustion-Enforced Waiver and CAT Acquiescence: Failure to Challenge Nexus Before the BIA Bars Asylum/Withholding Review 1. Introduction In Cesar Plaza Rivera v. Attorney General United States of...

Third Circuit: Applying Ross “On‑Mission” Categories to Passenger Questioning and Construing “Can I Search You?” as General Consent to a Full Pat-Down

Date: Aug 25, 2026

Third Circuit: Applying Ross “On‑Mission” Categories to Passenger Questioning and Construing “Can I Search You?” as General Consent to a Full Pat-Down I. Introduction United States v. Christopher...

Drug-Premises Enhancement Applies When Drug Distribution Is a Significant (Not Sole) Purpose of a Residence

Date: Aug 25, 2026

Drug-Premises Enhancement Applies When Drug Distribution Is a Significant (Not Sole) Purpose of a Residence 1. Introduction In United States v. Jason Mika (3d Cir. Aug. 21, 2026) (nonprecedential),...

Rule 33 New Trials for Deadlock Instructions: Misstatement “You Have to” Requires Undue Coercion and Prejudice in Context

Date: Aug 25, 2026

Rule 33 New Trials for Deadlock Instructions: Misstatement “You Have to” Requires Undue Coercion and Prejudice in Context I. Introduction United States v. Philip Epps (Third Circuit, Aug. 21, 2026)...

Pipeline Safety Act Citizen Suits: The 60‑Day Notice-and-Delay Requirement Is a Mandatory Condition Precedent Requiring Dismissal

Date: Aug 24, 2026

Pipeline Safety Act Citizen Suits: The 60‑Day Notice-and-Delay Requirement Is a Mandatory Condition Precedent Requiring Dismissal 1. Introduction Sunoco Pipeline LP v. Daniel La Hart (3d Cir. Aug....

CAFA Local-Controversy “Significant Basis” Requires a Conduct-Comparative Analysis; § 1291 Review Barred When Jurisdictional Remand Characterization Is Colorable

Date: Aug 24, 2026

CAFA Local-Controversy “Significant Basis” Requires a Conduct-Comparative Analysis; § 1291 Review Barred When Jurisdictional Remand Characterization Is Colorable 1. Introduction Daniel La Hart and...