Lee v. Alonzo — 5th Cir. (argued August 31, 2026)
The Fifth Circuit considers whether two Midland police officers have qualified immunity in a suit alleging that false or misleading affidavits were used to arrest five school officials for failing to report suspected child abuse. Qualified immunity protects officials from civil suit unless they violated a clearly established constitutional right. The officers will argue the affidavits supported probable cause; the officials will answer that correcting material falsehoods and omissions would eliminate it.
Lee v. Alonzo (No. 25-50687) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, argued August 31, 2026.
Sources
Argument audio — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (public domain, 17 U.S.C. § 105):https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/OralArgRecordings/25/25-50687_08-31-2026.mp3
Argument record — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit:https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/oral-argument-recordings/results?docket=25-50687
Argument calendar — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit:https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/court-calendars/sitting?d=2026-08-31
Opinion search — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit:https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/results?docket=25-50687&group=flat
Summary-judgment order — U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (Justia filing mirror):https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/texas/txwdce/7%3A2022cv00185/1187058/166/0.pdf
Stapleton v. Lozano — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit:https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/Opinions/pub/24/24-40155-CV0.pdf
Winfrey v. Rogers — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit:https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/16/16-20702-CV1.pdf
Texas District Clerk Manual — Texas Judicial Branch:https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1457335/district-clerk-manual-2023-edition.pdf
- 0:00Introduction
- 11:05No Bill
- 22:02Independent-intermediary doctrine