This survey of First Circuit opinions covers the period from October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005. The survey describes and analyzes major published civil opinions. Specifically, the survey covers the First Circuit’s major opinions in civil rights; constitutional law; federal jurisdiction, practice and procedure; and employment discrimination law.
In the term under review, the First Circuit heard several significant cases in the areas of civil rights, constitutional law, and federal jurisdiction. Two of the court’s decisions will make it easier for defendants who are sued for violating civil rights to establish immunities, while a third case, favorable to plaintiffs, endorsed an interesting application of the doctrines of municipal and supervisory immunity. . . .