7th Circuit Judge David Hamilton to take senior status in 2022
Judge David F. Hamilton will take senior status from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals next year.
Judge David F. Hamilton
Articles
7th Circuit upholds convictions for drug ringleader Grundy, multiple crew members
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld convictions for Indianapolis drug kingpin Richard Grundy and members of his crew following their 2019 convictions in a wide-ranging trafficking conspiracy. But the court did reverse two convictions for one member of Grundy’s team, finding evidence “left a reasonable doubt” that he committed the crimes.
7th Circuit revives Reid Hospital’s breach of contract dispute
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned summary judgment against Reid Hospital, finding the custom-tailored language in a contract the health care provider signed with an outside vendor for billing and collection services makes clear the parties did not intend insulate the vendor entirely from damages.
Sentence affirmed for drug distributor in guideline calculation dispute
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a man’s 23-year sentence for his drug and firearms convictions despite his assertion that the district court erred by including both uncharged and acquitted drug amounts in his guideline calculation.
En banc 7th Circuit splits over reach of ministerial exception
An Illinois church organist who claimed he was fired as part of a hostile work environment has split the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals over the interpretation of recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent as to how far the ministerial exception protects religious organizations.
7th Circuit orders hearing on counsel’s performance in habeas case
A man who received an enhanced federal sentence for robbery convictions has been granted a hearing on his ineffective assistance of counsel claim. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that under the facts of this case, defense counsel may have been required to anticipate future developments in caselaw.
Divided 7th Circuit upholds judgment against mom of injured child
A mother whose son was injured in a “traumatic” birth experience cannot proceed with her tort claims against the federal government because her claims were untimely, a divided panel of the 7th Circuit court of Appeals has ruled. A dissenting judge, however, warned of setting an “extraordinarily harsh” standard.
7th Circuit grants petition for review in Indiana immigration case
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled for a man fighting his deportation in a case concerning immigration judges’ power to close a removal or deportation case administratively while a noncitizen pursues other relief.
FBI: Suspect targeted Indiana 7th Circuit Judge Hamilton, Rep. Carson
An Alabama man arrested near the U.S. Capitol after the rioting had a truckload of weapons, including components for 11 explosive devices, guns, smoke devices and machetes, along with a note containing information about an Indiana federal appellate judge and member of Congress from Indianapolis, prosecutors wrote in court documents Tuesday.
Disability benefits denial again remanded after ALJ issues ‘inconsistent’ ruling
A woman twice denied disability benefits despite evidence of serious mental disabilities causing limitations on her ability to work will get a third chance to make her case for benefits.
7th Circuit again rules for buyer in long-running rubber-supply litigation
A dispute between a carbon buyer and seller has once again resolved in the buyer’s favor, with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals finding the buyer was entitled to terminate a contract based on the seller’s breach.
7th Circuit affirms consecutive federal, state sentences for South Bend crimes
How should federal judges decide whether sentences in federal prosecutions should run consecutively to or concurrently with sentences in unrelated state prosecutions? The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals tackled that question in a Monday decision, affirming a man’s decades-long sentence for his part in a South Bend kidnapping.
Whistleblower ATF agent wins appeal; 7th Circuit blasts administrative judge
A federal law enforcement agent who filed a whistleblower complaint claiming he was retaliated against after he alleged another agent committed perjury during a criminal trial won his appeal, and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals harshly criticized a judge it said ignored its orders in a prior remand.
Judicial Conference recommends safety reforms after killing of judge’s son
One month after the shooting death of the son of a New Jersey judge, the governing body of the United States federal courts is advocating reforms to increase protection for members of the federal judiciary.
7th Circuit: Caseworker didn’t retaliate against prisoner
An Indiana prisoner whose discipline conviction was overturned for lack of evidence did not persuade the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that his case manager later retaliated against him for activity protected by the First Amendment.
SCOTUS remands 2 Indiana abortion cases, won’t hear ‘buffer zone’ challenges
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday remanded to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals two lawsuits challenging Indiana laws restricting abortions, leaving undisturbed for now lower court rulings striking down state laws that would have required stricter ultrasound measures and parental notification for mature minors.
Judgment against widow in late husband’s workplace injury suit upheld
The widow of a man who sued his employer after a fall at a construction site failed to convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that a federal district court ruled for her late husband’s employer.
Divided 7th Circuit reinstates manufacturing sales commission dispute
A divided panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated a sales commission dispute, though the dissenting judge would hold that the Northern District of Indiana’s grant of summary judgment was proper.
7th Circuit splits in loan modification dispute, rules in bank’s favor
A 7th Circuit Court of Appeals majority affirmed Thursday the dismissal of a homeowner’s complaint against a bank that he alleged failed to honor a loan-modification offer that could have kept him from foreclosure.
7th Circuit: Hostile work environment claim forfeited in military discrimination case
A former South Bend police officer who sued the city alleging unlawful discrimination based on his military status did not sway a 7th Circuit Court of Appeals panel on Friday that affirmed a ruling against him.