5 High-Profile Federal Cases You Can Research Right Now (With AI)
From the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder to Sam Bankman-Fried's appeal, here are 5 major federal cases shaping 2026.
Federal courts are where the biggest legal battles unfold—billion-dollar antitrust fights, high-profile criminal prosecutions, and constitutional showdowns that shape American law.
But until recently, accessing these cases meant navigating PACER's clunky interface, paying per-page fees, and reading dense legal documents without any help understanding what they mean.
That's changing.
With AskLexi, you can search federal court dockets, read filings, and use AI to understand complex legal documents in seconds—no law degree required.
Here are 5 major federal cases making headlines right now that you can research on AskLexi:
1. USA v. Mangione (S.D.N.Y.)
The Case: Luigi Mangione faces federal charges related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including weapons charges involving a "ghost gun."
Why It Matters: This case has sparked national debates about healthcare industry practices, vigilante justice, and federal firearms laws.
What to Look For: The criminal complaint, detention motions, and any superseding indictments as the case develops.
Research this case on AskLexi →
2. USA v. Bankman-Fried (S.D.N.Y.) — The Appeal
The Case: Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted on 7 counts of fraud and conspiracy related to the FTX collapse. His legal team has filed an appeal.
Why It Matters: The appeal challenges evidentiary rulings and jury instructions from one of the largest financial fraud trials in history.
What to Look For: The notice of appeal, appellate briefs, and any motions for bail pending appeal.
Research this case on AskLexi →
3. FTC v. Amazon (W.D. Wash.)
The Case: The FTC's antitrust lawsuit alleges Amazon used monopoly power to inflate prices and stifle competition through practices like "Project Nessie."
Why It Matters: This case could reshape how Big Tech platforms operate and set precedents for future antitrust enforcement.
What to Look For: The unsealed complaint, Amazon's motion to dismiss, and discovery disputes.
Research this case on AskLexi →
4. USA v. Google (D.D.C.) — Search Monopoly
The Case: The DOJ won a landmark ruling that Google illegally maintained a monopoly in search. Remedies are now being decided.
Why It Matters: The judge could order structural changes to Google's business, potentially affecting how billions of people access information online.
What to Look For: The remedies brief, Google's response, and the final judgment.
Research this case on AskLexi →
5. USA v. Combs (S.D.N.Y.)
The Case: Sean "Diddy" Combs faces RICO conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation charges in a sprawling federal indictment.
Why It Matters: The case involves allegations spanning decades and multiple co-conspirators, making it one of the most complex celebrity criminal prosecutions in years.
What to Look For: The indictment, bail hearing transcripts, and any superseding charges.
Research this case on AskLexi →
How to Research Federal Cases on AskLexi
- Search by name, case number, or topic — No need to know the exact court or docket number
- Read docket entries with AI summaries — Understand what each filing means without reading 50 pages
- Ask questions about the case — "What are the main charges?" "Has the defendant filed any motions?"
- Download documents — Get the actual filings when you need them
No PACER account required. No per-page fees for searches.