Fourth Circuit Confirms Three-Part McDonough Test: Juror Dishonesty and Inferred Bias Do Not Automatically Require a New Trial Introduction In United States v. Andre Williamson, the Fourth Circuit...
Written Full-Compensation Agreements Bar Implied Profit-Sharing and Quasi-Contract Claims Absent Plausible Waiver or Clear Promise Introduction In Nicholas Schmitz v. Verdad Asset Management, LLC,...
First-Time Nonviolent FACE Act Obstruction Is a Petty Offense Not Requiring a Jury Trial Introduction In United States v. Steven Lefemine, the Fourth Circuit affirmed Steven Clark Lefemine’s...
Chapter 13 Means-Test Compliance Does Not Immunize a Plan from Good-Faith Review Introduction In Bobby Goddard v. Michael Burnett, the Fourth Circuit addressed whether a Chapter 13 debtor who...
A K-9 Warning Does Not Defeat the Clearly Established Right Against Gratuitous Dog-Bite Force on a Non-Threatening, Unarmed, Passively Resisting Suspect Introduction In Richard Harrold v. Lewis...
United States v. Milton Allen: Mandatory “Who/When/What” Inventory Policies Can Establish Inevitable Discovery Introduction In United States v. Milton Allen, the Fourth Circuit reversed a district...
Corroborated Witness-Intimidation Reports Can Support a Terry Stop and Arrest Warrant Despite Later Dismissal Introduction In James Brown, III v. Leon Lott, the Fourth Circuit affirmed summary...
Short-Term Rental Zoning Upheld: No Third-Party Standing for Guests and Strong Deference to Municipal Land-Use Regulation 1. Introduction In Tom Hutto v. City of Rock Hill (4th Cir. Apr. 27, 2026)...
Navarro v. U.S. Center for SafeSport: No Exhaustion for Constitutional Challenges Beyond SafeSport Arbitration’s Scope 1. Introduction Thomas Navarro, James Giorgio, and Nina Shaffer (three...
Harmless-Error Affirmance for Excluded “Effect on Listener” Statements in § 913 DEA-Impersonation Prosecutions 1. Introduction In United States v. Khriy Sherrod Simon (4th Cir. Apr. 24, 2026)...
Specific-Date Proof of False Medicaid Claims Required for § 1347 Health Care Fraud Convictions Case: United States v. Richard Davis (4th Cir. Apr. 24, 2026) (unpublished) Disposition: Reversed,...
Rhino Energy, LLC v. DOWCP: Presuming the Most Recent Employer’s Financial Capability Absent a “Coverage Statement” Under 20 C.F.R. § 725.495(d) I. Introduction In Rhino Energy, LLC v. Director,...
First Step Act Time-Credit Eligibility Begins When the Sentence “Commences,” and Post–Loper Bright Courts Must Independently Test the BOP’s “Successful Participation” Rule 1. Introduction Rahshjeem...
National-Security Exception Permits a Narrow, Identity-Only Prior Restraint in Civil Litigation (and Makes It Immediately Appealable as an Injunction) Introduction In Baby Doe v. Joshua Mast (4th...
Body-Controls Defendants in Pro Se Civil-Rights Form Complaints: District Courts Must Remedy Caption Omissions When Intent Is Clear Case: Patrick Nichols v. N. Bumgarner (4th Cir. Apr. 22, 2026)...
Pretrial Medical Neglect, Detention Review, and Guilty Pleas: No Ineffective Assistance Absent Material § 3142 Change and Concrete Plea Prejudice Introduction In United States v. Dustin Wilson (4th...
Erlinger Plain-Error Relief Requires a Showing the Defendant Would Have Rejected the Plea Despite ACCA “Different Occasions” Omission Introduction In United States v. Vinson Thompson (4th Cir. Apr....
Spivey v. Breckon: Ordinary Prison Medical-Care Disputes and Eighth Amendment Excessive-Force Claims Are “New Contexts” Foreclosed Under Bivens I. Introduction In Mandriez Spivey v. Michael Breckon,...
Diaz v. Blanche: Matter of K- Limits—No Elements Explanation Required for Oath Testimony Admissions in Cancellation Proceedings Case: Benjamin Sandoval Diaz v. Todd Blanche (4th Cir. Apr. 20, 2026)...
“All Right, Title, and Interest” Means All—Unless the Instrument Expressly Reserves It; Limited Exhibit Descriptions Require Lease-Specific Scope Analysis Introduction In Mcardle Family Partnership...