Litigation
Major court decisions, class actions, landmark rulings, and significant procedural developments
Ex-captain pleads guilty to drugging and raping US Merchant Marine cadet
Former US Merchant Marine Academy captain pleads guilty to drugging and raping a cadet during 2019 Sea Year voyage, with sentencing set for December 2026.
Minnesota Sues Feds Over Withheld Evidence in 2026 ICE Shooting Cases
Minnesota sued the federal government in March 2026 over withheld evidence from two fatal ICE-related shootings during Operation Metro Surge.
Hawai‘i Court Blocks Ritz-Carlton Project Over Missing Endangered Species Review
A Hawai‘i Environmental Court halted Ritz-Carlton resort redevelopment due to outdated endangered species review, emphasizing legal risks for developers.
Fifth Circuit Rules No Duty to Mitigate Emotional Distress in Title VII Cases
The Fifth Circuit clarifies that Title VII plaintiffs need not mitigate emotional distress damages, affecting employment law damage standards nationwide.
Federal Judges Sanction Pro Se Litigants for AI Hallucination Errors
Federal courts sanction pro se litigants for false filings caused by AI hallucinations, prompting legal teams to revise workflows and policies for accuracy.
Mexico Files Criminal Complaints Over 17 ICE Custody Deaths in US Courts
Mexico files criminal complaints in US over 17 Mexican nationals' deaths in ICE custody, raising immigration enforcement legal risks for corporations and law firms.
July 15 Ruling: Federal Court Denies Expedited ICE Deportation Data Release
A federal judge on July 15 denied UC Berkeley Prof. David Hausman’s request to expedite ICE deportation and detention data release under FOIA, highlighting legal access challenges.
Judge Orders July Hearing on Racial Bias in Cash App CEO Murder Case
Federal judge schedules July 2026 hearing on racial bias claims in murder conviction of Cash App CEO's accused killer.
Reza Zarrab Sentenced for Iran Sanctions Evasion After Cooperation
Reza Zarrab received time served in 2026 after aiding U.S. authorities in a major Iran sanctions evasion case involving Halkbank.
Court Dismisses Key Claims in Meta-Epidemic Sound Copyright Suit
A U.S. judge dismisses major infringement claims in Epidemic Sound's lawsuit against Meta's Reels Remix feature, affecting user content policies.
Trump Pays $5.625M to E. Jean Carroll After Legal Appeals End
Donald Trump has paid E. Jean Carroll $5.625 million following appellate defeats and Supreme Court refusal to hear appeal, ending years of legal delays.
US Appeals Court Revives 500+ Autism Lawsuits Against Tylenol Maker
Second Circuit reinstates over 500 lawsuits linking prenatal Tylenol use to autism, reopening major mass tort litigation against Kenvue.
Mahmoud Khalil Sues Trump Admin Over Activism Suppression Claims
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil sues Trump officials and private groups under 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act for alleged civil rights violations.
Courts Tighten Enforcement Standards for Online Terms of Service
Recent court rulings reinforce stricter scrutiny on online contracts, urging clearer notice and explicit user assent.
Illinois Court Sends Political Defamation Case to Jury Over Actual Malice
Illinois appellate court allows a defamation case between political rivals to proceed to jury on actual malice, shaping standards for political speech cases.
Judge Sanctions Trump Lawyers, Rejects IRS Audit Immunity Deal
Judge Kathleen Williams sanctions Trump’s lawyers and rejects IRS audit immunity in $10B tax return leak lawsuit, signaling court scrutiny of political immunity deals.
Opioid trial begins against Albertsons in Washington state
Washington state starts trial accusing Albertsons of fueling opioid crisis by dispensing 641M pills, with over $1.3B from related settlements.
Meta Employees Sue Over AI-Driven Layoff Process Alleging Discrimination
Meta employees sue over AI system 'Metamate' used in layoffs, alleging violations of FMLA and ADA, highlighting legal risks in AI-driven HR practices.
Judge Voids $1.776B Trump-IRS Settlement Over Collusion
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams invalidated a $1.776 billion Trump-IRS settlement citing collusion, with sanctions for attorneys and DOJ criticism.
Second Circuit Upholds Injunction Against Nielsen Over Radio Ratings Tying
Second Circuit affirms injunction blocking Nielsen from tying local radio ratings data sales to national data access, impacting media market competition.