The Unusual Denial in Reinink v. Hart
The Supreme Court denied certiorari in the case of Reinink v. Hart after multiple relists and conferences. Justices Thomas and Alito expressed their support for a summary reversal based on a lower court's opinion but did not provide a separate explanation. This unusual denial highlights the complexities of judicial decision-making and the dynamics within the Court.
- ▪The case involved an excessive force claim under the Fourth Amendment.
- ▪The Supreme Court denied certiorari after eight relists and three reschedules.
- ▪Justices Thomas and Alito would have granted the petition and summarily reversed the lower court's decision.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Unusual Denial in Reinink v. Hart After 8 relists, the petition is denied, but Justices Thomas and Alito would have SumRev'd "for essentially the reasons given in Judge Larsen’s separate opinion" Josh Blackman | 5.27.2026 2:27 AM Reinink v. Hart presented an excessive force claim under the Fourth Amendment. The case was rescheduled three times and relisted after eight conferences. On May 26, the Court finally denied certiorari. But there was an unusual notation: Petition DENIED. Justice Thomas and Justice Alito would grant the petition and summarily reverse for essentially the reasons given in Judge Larsen's separate opinion. See Hart v. Grand Rapids, 138 F. 4th 409, 426–428 (CA6 2025).
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Reason Magazine.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Reason Magazine
