⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

We hear Cowart v. Arteta in the Second Circuit. Three Program Integrity Officers in the Orange County Sheriff's Office lost their jobs when Paul Arteta became sheriff. Their work included investigating officer misconduct and checking compliance with professional standards. They say they were fired for supporting Arteta's opponent in the sheriff's election. The district court dismissed their First Amendment claim without a trial, ruling that political affiliation could lawfully be considered for these jobs. The officers contend that their investigative duties required neutrality, not political loyalty. They ask the appeals court to overturn that ruling. After this argument, the Second Circuit upheld the dismissal. The federal courts did not decide the merits of their separate New York labor-law claim.

Cowart, Jr. v. Arteta (No. 25-2616) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, argued September 30, 2026.