Sidley Secures Unanimous Supreme Court Victory Reinforcing Constitutional Venue Protections
Sidley secured a significant victory in the U.S. Supreme Court for Ahmad Abouammo in a case addressing the constitutional limits on where federal criminal prosecutions may be brought. In a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court held that Mr. Abouammo should not have been charged and tried in the Northern District of California for crimes which occurred elsewhere. The case is one of the most important recent decisions regarding venue: the Court’s ruling reinforces the Constitution’s venue protections and limits the government’s ability to prosecute defendants in forums disconnected from their alleged conduct.
Ninth Circuit Vacates Insider Trading Conviction Over Court’s Failure to Investigate Juror Bias
On April 21, 2026, a Ninth Circuit panel vacated an insider trading conviction in United States v. Bolandian, holding that the trial court failed to properly investigate a juror who admitted he was “not sure” he could remain impartial. The case involved a Los Angeles trader accused of profiting from confidential merger tips, resulting in a conviction and 24-month sentence. But on appeal, the court found plain error in allowing the uncertain juror—who ultimately served as foreperson—to remain without further inquiry. Emphasizing the court’s independent duty to ensure juror impartiality, the decision underscores that even without a defense objection, unresolved bias concerns can mandate a new trial—offering both a cautionary note and a safeguard for defense counsel.
