Opinion ID: 2778691
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of review

Text: We employ a tripartite standard of review for preliminary injunctions. “We review the District Court’s findings of fact for clear error. Legal conclusions are assessed de novo. The ultimate decision to grant or deny the injunction is reviewed for abuse of discretion.” K.A. ex rel. Ayers v. Pocono Mountain Sch. Dist., 710 F.3d 99, 105 (3d Cir. 2013) (quoting Sypniewski v. Warren Hills Reg’l Bd. of Educ., 307 F.3d 243, 252 (3d Cir. 2002)). The same framework applies to the review of a grant of a permanent injunction. See United States v. Bell, 414 F.3d 474, 477-78 (3d Cir. 2005).9 Because we conclude that the appellees have not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their 9 “A party seeking a preliminary injunction must show: (1) a likelihood of success on the merits; (2) that it will suffer irreparable harm if the injunction is denied; (3) that granting preliminary relief will not result in even greater harm to the nonmoving party; and (4) that the public interest favors such relief.” Kos Pharm., Inc. v. Andrx Corp., 369 F.3d 700, 708 (3d Cir. 2004). It is the plaintiff’s burden to establish every element in its favor. P.C. Yonkers, Inc. v. Celebrations the Party & Seasonal Superstore, LLC, 428 F.3d 504, 508 (3d Cir. 2005). A permanent injunction requires actual success on the merits. See Shields v. Zuccarini, 254 F.3d 476, 482 (3d Cir. 2001). 28 RFRA claim, we need not reach the other prongs of the injunction analysis.