Black v. Montgomery County — civil rights — reversal — Chagares

The Third Circuit today reversed a district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of defendants in a remarkable civil rights suit, holding that the plaintiff was seized for purposes of her Fourth Amendment malicious-prosecution claim and that she stated a valid due process claim for fabricated evidence even though she was acquitted at trial. The case arose from what the plaintiff alleged was a badly bungled fire investigation and prosecution; the accused was found not guilty of arson after the jury deliberated less than 40 minutes.

Joining Chagares were Krause and Scirica. Arguing counsel for the appellant was Michael Schwartz of James, Schwartz & Associates; for the appellees, Carol Vanderwoude of Marshall Dennehey, Philip Newcomer of the Montgomery County Solicitor’s Office, and Claudia Tesoro of the Office of the Attorney General.

DePolo v. Board of Supervisors — civil — dismissal of appeal — McKee

The Third Circuit held that a ham radio operator’s federal suit challenging denial of permission to build a 180-foot radio tower (!) was precluded by his failure to appeal a prior adverse ruling by a township zoning appeals board.

Joining McKee were Ambro and Scirica. Arguing counsel were Fred Hopengarten of Massachusetts (whose solo telecom practice focuses on antenna and tower issues and whose website includes an image of his Third Circuit bar admission certificate) for the appellant, and Maureen McBride of Lamb McErlane and John Larkin of Gawthrop Greenwood for the appellees.

NY Shipping Assoc v. Waterfront Comm’n — affirmance — Nygaard

The Third Circuit upheld district court rulings upholding the NY Waterfront Commission’s power under an interstate compact to require non-discriminatory hiring policies.

Joining Nygaard were Fuentes and Roth (the case was argued on July 9, nine days before Fuentes went senior, so the panel composition comported with 3d Cir. IOP 3.1 even though all three judges were senior at the time the opinion issued). Arguing counsel for various appellants were Donato Caruso of New York and Kevin Marrinan of New York, and Peter Hughes of Ogletree Deakins; arguing counsel for appellees was Phoebe Sorial of the NY Harbor Waterfront Commission.