The Latest Breaking News from The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Texas’ drag show restrictions take effect after years of court challenges

The law prohibits sexually explicit drag performances on public property or in front of children.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 6, 2025

Federal appeals court will reconsider West Texas A&M drag show ban

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday tossed a three-judge panel's earlier ruling that found the ban violated students' free speech rights. The court's 17 judges will rehear the case.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 27, 2025

US court blocks Trump bid to use Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans

The Fifth Circuit Court is highest court so far to rule against Trump’s use of the law to deport Venezuelan migrants.

Al Jazeera · Sep 3, 2025

Texas’ floating barrier in the Rio Grande can stay for now, appeals court says

After Texas deployed the barrier, a panel ordered it removed. The full appeals court says it can stay while a lower court hears a case on the merits.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 31, 2024

SCOTUS hears challenges to abortion law

As the Supreme Court considers a patient protection law, experts say it could lead to fetal personhood

Salon · Apr 25, 2024

Some Texas Prisoners Allowed Only Four Hours of Sleep a Night, Lawsuit Says

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with a man incarcerated at the Estelle Unit who has been suing over his sleep schedule for a decade.

Texas Observer · Apr 2, 2024

Court: Lone Star State Violated Emissions Limits on Gulf Coast

Judges argued that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality illegally enabled Port Arthur LNG to avoid emission control requirements.

Texas Observer · Nov 16, 2023

Trump judge: Women owe us more sonograms

Judge James Ho argues women must be forced into pregnancy so others can "cheer at the sight of an unborn child"

Salon · Aug 18, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court Clears Path For Review Of Louisiana’s Congressional District Map

Supreme Court dismisses appeal on Louisiana's congressional district map, allowing case to proceed before Fifth Circuit Court

Zenger · Jun 29, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court lifts stay on district court ruling that overturned Louisiana’s congressional boundaries

The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s (R) appeal on June 26 of a federal district court ruling that held that Louisiana’s congressional district map should include an additional majority-minority district. The Supreme Court also lifted its 2022 stay of the federal court’s decision and allowed…

Ballotpedia · Jun 29, 2023