DC Circuit

The Department of Justice filed its first application to activate the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC), a specialized federal court established in 1996 for cases involving 'alien terrorists.' The ATRC requires secret consideration of applications and public hearings if approved, with potential appeals to the D.C. Circuit. While the DOJ's motives are questioned due to past policies, the ATRC's activation could improve due process for noncitizens and highlight the need for immigration reform.

The Justice Department urged the D.C. Circuit to affirm a judge's finding of Google's illegal monopoly over internet search, approve data-sharing remedies, and reconsider the denial of a ban on Google's large payments to distributors like Apple. The government seeks to strengthen competition by preventing Google from using monopoly profits to stifle rivals, particularly in emerging generative artificial intelligence markets.

The D.C. Circuit Court rejected a Democratic appeal to block President Donald Trump’s executive order on election reforms, upholding a lower court’s decision that plaintiffs failed to show imminent harm. The court noted the order is not self-executing and requires agency compliance with legal constraints, deferring judgment until potential implementation. The executive order aims to create a national voter eligibility list and modify mail-in voting procedures.

A D.C. Circuit panel ruled that Ahmed Abu Khatallah's 28-year prison term for his role in the 2012 Benghazi attack was too lenient, remanding his case for a third sentencing. The court emphasized the seriousness of his crimes, which included preparing for and executing a premeditated attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound.

The D.C. Circuit upheld the EPA's decision to delay stricter emission standards for steel mills until April 3, 2027, rejecting challenges from environmental groups. The court found the EPA's extension was justified due to technological infeasibility, aligning with the Clean Air Act. The standards target hazardous pollutants from steelmaking processes, including carbon dioxide emissions.

The D.C. Circuit ruled that challenges to U.S. Postal Service policy changes must first be addressed through the Postal Regulatory Commission before federal courts can consider them, reversing a lower court's decision that had granted a coalition of states and cities summary judgment. The case involved 2020 USPS changes, including reduced mail sorting and delivery operations, which plaintiffs argued could disrupt the November 2020 election.

A D.C. Circuit panel reversed a lower court's block on the Trump administration's expanded expedited removal policy, ruling it does not violate due process. The policy allows expedited deportations for immigrants in the U.S. under two years, including those encountered within 100 miles of the southern border. Make the Road New York sued, arguing the policy circumvents constitutional protections, but the appeals court found no evidence of procedural violations.

Anthropic attempted to pause a supply chain risk label but lost its appeal in the DC Circuit Court. The court rejected their plea to delay the label, which is related to regulatory compliance.