⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Tenth Circuit returns to Rosalie Chilcoat's civil-rights suit against San Juan County, Utah. In 2017, a rancher found a corral gate closed and accused Chilcoat, an environmental activist, and her husband of endangering his cattle. A sheriff's sergeant initially concluded there was little evidence of a crime. The county attorney charged two misdemeanors, then added two felonies after county commissioners, the sheriff, and the prosecutor allegedly discussed Chilcoat in a closed meeting for which the county kept no record. A Utah appellate court later rejected probable cause, and the remaining charges were dismissed. Chilcoat says the county commission encouraged the prosecution to retaliate for her environmental advocacy. The Tenth Circuit earlier held that an amended claim was plausible and allowed discovery. After discovery, the district judge granted summary judgment to the county, finding no evidence of an official county decision. This appeal asks whether the closed meeting, missing record, timing, and one commissioner's hostility provide enough circumstantial evidence for a jury—or only speculation.

Chilcoat v. San Juan County (No. 25-4157) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, argued September 16, 2026.