⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The U.S. Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth Circuit hears argument in a bankruptcy appeal. Linda Catron, appearing pro se, challenges a bankruptcy court order that she contends ignored her homestead exemption, denied her due process, and rewarded creditors who allegedly breached loan contracts and engaged in what she characterizes as extrinsic fraud. The core legal issue is whether the bankruptcy judge abused his discretion in refusing to abstain from issues involving state law claims, in denying Ms. Catron a hearing or the opportunity to object, and in failing to recognize her homestead exemption. Catron also raises constitutional claims under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments and argues that the creditors' conduct prevented her from prosecuting her state court cases. She appears by video before a three-judge panel: Judges Lafferty, Brand, and Spraker. The argument is unusual in that no appellee—neither the creditor nor the bankruptcy trustee—has filed a brief or appeared, making this an unopposed appeal. Pro se appeals in bankruptcy cases are common in the Ninth Circuit, which spans nine western states and handles a high volume of consumer bankruptcy disputes.

In re Catron (No. 25-1137) — United States Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth Circuit, argued July 16, 2026.