Avalon Zoppo

Avalon Zoppo is an appellate courts reporter for The National Law Journal. Contact her at [email protected]. On Twitter: @AvalonZoppo.

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September 22, 2023 | National Law Journal

Judge's Alleged Friendship With Lawyer Could Upend $124M Ruling, 5th Circuit Says

Appellate panel returns case to district court, saying "justice (would) be undermined by any undisclosed intimate friendship."

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

September 21, 2023 | National Law Journal

Full 4th Circuit Splinters in Hearing on Gender-Affirming Care Exclusions

Arguments concerning insurance coverage exclusion focused on equal protection and states' rights.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

September 20, 2023 | National Law Journal

Judges Cast Doubt on Title VII Religious Exemption Defense in Gay Bias Case

Fourth Circuit panel seems skeptical of Catholic school's statutory argument in firing teacher who posted about his same-sex wedding.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

September 20, 2023 | National Law Journal

Federal Circuit's Judicial Council Upholds Judge Newman's Suspension

"We all would prefer a different outcome for our friend and colleague," the council wrote. "However, we have a solemn obligation...."

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

September 19, 2023 | National Law Journal

5th Circuit Seems Skeptical of FCC Telecom Fund's Constitutionality

The appeals court weighed whether Congress unconstitutionally delegated its revenue-raising authority.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

September 18, 2023 | National Law Journal

Circuit Split Watch: Judges Clash Over First Step Act Retroactivity Provision

A divided 6th Circuit lets stand decision that law does not apply to a sentence imposed prior to enactment.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

September 15, 2023 | National Law Journal

DC Circuit Grapples With 'Major Questions Doctrine' in Vehicle Emissions Case

The appellate court's consideration follows the Supreme Court's invocation of the doctrine in striking down the EPA's cap on power plant emissions last year.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

September 15, 2023 | Law.com

Calabresi's Clerkship and Relatives Who Judge Together

Judge Guido Calabresi of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recalls his clerkship for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black and judging is sometimes a family affair.

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read