4th Circuit Case Commentaries

United States v. Tejan: Reaffirming Forfeiture-by-Wrongdoing, Harmless-Error Review of Miranda Violations, and Post-Verdict Judge Substitution

Date: Dec 28, 2025

United States v. Tejan: Reaffirming Forfeiture-by-Wrongdoing, Harmless-Error Review of Miranda Violations, and Post-Verdict Judge Substitution I. Introduction The unpublished decision in United...

Commentary on Platt v. Mansfield: Student-Specific Speech Limits in School Board Meetings

Date: Dec 28, 2025

Student-Focused Speech in Limited Public Fora: The Fourth Circuit Upholds School Board Limits in Platt v. Mansfield I. Introduction In Abbie Platt v. Melinda Mansfield, No. 24‑2182 (4th Cir. Dec. 22,...

State-Authorized Municipal Monopolies and Parker Immunity: Commentary on Cherry Grove Beach Gear, LLC v. City of North Myrtle Beach

Date: Dec 28, 2025

State-Authorized Municipal Monopolies and Parker Immunity: Commentary on Cherry Grove Beach Gear, LLC v. City of North Myrtle Beach (4th Cir. 2025) I. Introduction This commentary examines the Fourth...

Clinchfield Coal Co. v. DOWCP: Deference to ALJ Medical-Credibility Findings and Use of the Regulatory Preamble in Mixed-Cause Black Lung Claims

Date: Dec 28, 2025

Clinchfield Coal Co. v. DOWCP: Deference to ALJ Medical-Credibility Findings and Use of the Regulatory Preamble in Mixed-Cause Black Lung Claims I. Introduction This unpublished Fourth Circuit...

Reasonable Diligence Without Formal Extradition: The Fourth Circuit’s Speedy Trial Framework for Defendants Imprisoned Abroad in United States v. Umar Chaudhry

Date: Dec 22, 2025

Reasonable Diligence Without Formal Extradition: The Fourth Circuit’s Speedy Trial Framework for Defendants Imprisoned Abroad in United States v. Umar Chaudhry I. Introduction In United States v....

Nicholson v. Durant: Fair-Notice Pleading and Supplemental Jurisdiction for Alternative State-Law Gross Negligence Theories

Date: Dec 22, 2025

Nicholson v. Durant: Fair-Notice Pleading and Supplemental Jurisdiction for Alternative State-Law Gross Negligence Theories I. Introduction The Fourth Circuit’s published decision in Jawone D....

Intended Loss, Sophisticated Means, and Multi‑Object Money‑Laundering Conspiracies in the Fourth Circuit: Commentary on United States v. Anyanwu

Date: Dec 22, 2025

Intended Loss, Sophisticated Means, and Multi‑Object Money‑Laundering Conspiracies in the Fourth Circuit: A Commentary on United States v. Kaodichimma Anyanwu (4th Cir. Dec. 18, 2025) (Unpublished)...

United States v. Almonor: Rejecting a Foreseeability Requirement for Venue in Money Laundering Conspiracies

Date: Dec 20, 2025

United States v. Almonor: Rejecting a Foreseeability Requirement for Venue in Money Laundering Conspiracies I. Introduction The Fourth Circuit’s unpublished decision in United States v. Pierre Yvelt...

Subjective Symptom Testimony and Treating‑Source Deference in Fibromyalgia Claims: Commentary on Hultz v. Bisignano

Date: Dec 18, 2025

Subjective Symptom Testimony and Treating‑Source Deference in Fibromyalgia Claims: Commentary on Hultz v. Bisignano I. Introduction The Fourth Circuit’s decision in Crystal Hultz v. Bisignano is a...

United States v. Watson: Modified Categorical Approach, “Relating To” Predicate Sex Offenses, and State Registration Duties Under § 2260A

Date: Dec 15, 2025

United States v. Watson: Modified Categorical Approach, “Relating To” Predicate Sex Offenses, and State Registration Duties Under § 2260A I. Introduction In United States v. Roland Vance Watson, No....

Pretext, Preselection, and Comparative Qualifications in Title VII Promotion Cases: Commentary on Hood‑Wilson v. Board of Trustees, Community College of Baltimore County

Date: Dec 15, 2025

Pretext, Preselection, and Comparative Qualifications in Title VII Promotion Cases: Commentary on Hood‑Wilson v. Board of Trustees, Community College of Baltimore County 1. Introduction This...

Extraordinary Reasons, Ordinary Deference: Appellate Review of Compassionate Release After United States v. Washington (4th Cir. 2025)

Date: Dec 15, 2025

Extraordinary Reasons, Ordinary Deference: Appellate Review of Compassionate Release After United States v. Washington (4th Cir. 2025) I. Introduction In United States v. Mitchell Washington, No....

United States v. Hawkins and the Limits of Reasonable Suspicion to Extend Traffic Stops

Date: Dec 14, 2025

United States v. Hawkins and the Limits of Reasonable Suspicion to Extend Traffic Stops I. Introduction The Fourth Circuit’s published decision in United States v. Tremayne T. Hawkins (No. 24‑4502,...

Alternate Health-Care Agents as Witnesses and Disability Discrimination: Commentary on Jane Doe v. UMMS (4th Cir. 2025)

Date: Dec 14, 2025

Alternate Health-Care Agents as Witnesses and Disability Discrimination: Commentary on Jane Doe v. University of Maryland Medical System Corp. (4th Cir. 2025) I. Introduction This unpublished Fourth...

Breach of Trust, Treatment Alternatives, and Appellate Deference in Supervised Release Revocations: Commentary on United States v. Steele (4th Cir. 2025)

Date: Dec 12, 2025

Breach of Trust, Treatment Alternatives, and Appellate Deference in Supervised Release Revocations: Commentary on United States v. Steele (4th Cir. 2025) I. Introduction The Fourth Circuit’s...

Fourth Circuit Adopts De Novo Review of QDRO Interpretation and Clarifies QJSA Cost Allocation under ERISA: Commentary on David Gasper v. EIDP, Inc.

Date: Dec 12, 2025

Fourth Circuit Adopts De Novo Review of QDRO Interpretation and Clarifies QJSA Cost Allocation under ERISA Commentary on David Gasper v. EIDP, Inc., No. 24‑1959 (4th Cir. Dec. 8, 2025) I....

Teaching Explosives to a Known Would‑Be Violent Offender Is Unprotected Speech: Commentary on United States v. Arthur (4th Cir. 2025)

Date: Dec 10, 2025

Teaching Explosives to a Known Would‑Be Violent Offender Is Unprotected Speech: Commentary on United States v. Arthur (4th Cir. 2025) I. Introduction In United States v. Christopher Clark Arthur, No....

Forfeiture, Unconscionability, and Perpetual Coal Leases under West Virginia Law: Commentary on Rockwell Mining, LLC v. Pocahontas Land LLC

Date: Dec 10, 2025

Forfeiture, Unconscionability, and Perpetual Coal Leases under West Virginia Law: Commentary on Rockwell Mining, LLC v. Pocahontas Land LLC Introduction This commentary examines the Fourth Circuit’s...

Forfeiture, Unconscionability, and Long-Term Mineral Leases under West Virginia Law: Commentary on Rockwell Mining, LLC v. Pocahontas Land LLC

Date: Dec 10, 2025

Forfeiture, Unconscionability, and Long-Term Mineral Leases under West Virginia Law: Commentary on Rockwell Mining, LLC v. Pocahontas Land LLC Introduction The Fourth Circuit’s unpublished decision...

Design Gaps v. Distinctive Design: Broad Preclusive Effect of State‑Confirmed Arbitration Awards and Rigorous Use of Laches

Date: Dec 10, 2025

Design Gaps v. Distinctive Design: Broad Preclusive Effect of State‑Confirmed Arbitration Awards and Rigorous Use of Laches I. Introduction In Design Gaps, Inc. v. Distinctive Design & Construction...