Opinion highlights for the week of August 9, 2026

 

The Arkansas Court of Appeals' August 12, 2026, syllabus runs to sixteen pages.  Most of the entries are per curiam orders addressing motions, fee petitions, and the like.  No opinions were handed down, but additional cases and motions are listed as submitted for decision.

The Arkansas Supreme Court did not post a syllabus this morning.

So, really, there are no opinions to highlight this week - but stay tuned.

There is an interesting oral argument on the horizon.  On August 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., the Court of Appeals will hear argument in CV-24-592, an appeal pitting Meta Platforms and others against the Attorney General's office.  An attorney from Covington & Burling with extensive appellate experience will argue for Meta Platforms.  This might be worth watching online.

Thank you for reading.

The Arkansas Court of Appeals begins its 2026 Fall Term - and a new pro se guide to Arkansas appeals

 

The Arkansas Court of Appeals issued an eleven-page syllabus this morning, August 5, 2026.  The last page lists cases submitted for decision.  No opinions were handed down.  It is safe to say Summer Break is over for this court.

On another topic, in the course of her "State of the Judiciary" speech at last June's Arkansas Bar Association meeting, Chief Justice Karen Baker mentioned that a manual for pro se appellate litigants was in preparation.  This publication is part of the court's ongoing efforts to retain public trust and confidence.

I am not certain when it was posted, but the manual appears to be complete and available to the public at https://arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/Pro_Se_Appeals_Version_11.pdf  It is also linked under the "Helpful Links" heading to the right.

The manual is very clear that it is not to be cited: it "may not be cited as legal authority in court filings."  It may be helpful to practicing attorneys - if your client wants to understand what an appeal involves, perhaps a copy of the manual can help answer their questions.

Thanks for reading.

Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference, July 14 - 16, 2027

 

Although about a year away, if you handle federal appeals - or just want an excuse to visit Davenport, Iowa - this might need to be on your calendar.