Phelps Wins Four Fifth Circuit Appellate Rulings to Start 2026

In the span of seven weeks this year, Phelps secured four appellate victories at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on behalf of municipal clients and public officials.

The rulings affirmed dismissals, reversed adverse immunity decisions, and halted discovery where qualified immunity remained unresolved. Together, the decisions underscore the firm’s success in defending constitutional claims on appeal.

December 29, 2025

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated a district court order requiring discovery against the City of Canton, Mississippi, its board of aldermen, and the city attorney, all represented by Phelps, while qualified immunity defenses remained unresolved.

January 16, 2026

The Fifth Circuit affirmed dismissal of civil rights claims brought against the City of Greenville, Mississippi, a city police officer, and the city’s fire marshal, all represented by Phelps.

February 6, 2026

Phelps earned a third appellate win at the Fifth Circuit on February 6. In this case, the court affirmed dismissal of wide‑ranging civil rights claims brought against the City of Lexington, Mississippi, its police department, and multiple current and former officers represented by Phelps.

February 12, 2026

The Fifth Circuit reversed and rendered judgment for three Ridgeland, Miss. police officers represented by Phelps, dismissing all remaining Fourth Amendment claims on qualified immunity grounds.

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Jackson Office Managing Partner Todd Butler led all the appeals at the Fifth Circuit. Jackson Partner Nick Morisani and Associate John McMackin assisted with the Canton case. Jackson Associates Channing Curtis and Loden Walker assisted with the Greenville case. Jackson Associate Mallory Bland assisted with the Lexington case. Jackson Associate Sonya Dickson and New Orleans Associate Patrick Judd assisted with the Ridgeland case.