Litigation
Major court decisions, class actions, landmark rulings, and significant procedural developments
Supreme Court Leaves Third Circuit’s Hertz Solvent Debtor Ruling Intact
The Supreme Court declined to review Hertz's bankruptcy case, cementing solvent debtor obligations under § 502(b)(2) and clarifying make-whole premium liabilities.
Superior Court Voids Will Over Undue Influence in Elder Friendship Case
A Superior Court ruling invalidates an elderly widow's will due to undue influence by a close friend, offering guidance for elder law practitioners on assessing relationship dynamics.
Fifth Circuit Tosses 158-Year Federal Ban on Home Distilleries
The Fifth Circuit invalidated a 158-year-old federal ban on home alcohol distilling, citing limits on Congress’ taxation powers—a decision with broader regulatory implications.
Alabama Supreme Court Narrows Reporter Privilege in Defamation Cases
Alabama Supreme Court limits journalists' privilege in defamation lawsuits, making some source-related discovery mandatory. Ruling impacts media law and litigant rights.
Jury Weighs Phoenix Police Officer’s Fate in Malicious Prosecution Trial
A Phoenix jury deliberates whether a police officer’s alleged false statements led to a wrongful arrest, in a case intersecting with DOJ findings of police misconduct and prosecutorial ethics.
Federal Judge Halts Off-Roading at Oceano Dunes to Protect Snowy Plovers
A federal court has issued an injunction stopping off-road vehicle use at Oceano Dunes to protect the endangered western snowy plover, intensifying the debate over public land use and wildlife prot...
SDNY Judge Narrows Claims in Lively v. Baldoni Workplace Dispute
A federal judge dismissed most of Blake Lively’s claims against Justin Baldoni, citing Title VII standards and independent contractor status, in a high-profile workplace case.
Fifth Circuit Curtails FTC's In-House Adjudication on Deceptive Ads
A Fifth Circuit ruling finds FTC's administrative process unconstitutional, disrupting the agency’s ability to penalize deceptive advertising and reshaping enforcement strategies.
Eswatini Court Orders Legal Counsel Access for US Deportees
Eswatini’s Supreme Court ruled on April 9, 2026, that men deported from the US must have access to legal counsel—impacting future US-Africa migration partnerships.
Federal Judges Demand Concrete Trial Plans, Data Proof for Class Certification
Federal judges are pushing lawyers to provide detailed, data-backed trial plans for Rule 23 class certification. GCs must prepare with robust analytics and litigation strategies.
Judge Blocks DHS Attempt to End TPS for Ethiopians in U.S.
A federal judge has blocked DHS efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, preserving protection for thousands and setting a precedent for ongoing TPS litigation.
Military Families Challenge Feres Doctrine After Hawaii Jet Fuel Leak
A Hawaii lawsuit from military families contests the Feres Doctrine, which bars service members from suing the government over service-related injuries, following a mass water contamination.
PPC Initiates London Arbitration Against Maersk Over Panama Port Takeover
Hong Kong's Panama Ports Company files arbitration in London against Maersk, alleging breach of contract tied to Panama port operations. Dispute underscores cross-border complexity.
Delaware Supreme Court: Some News Reports Can Justify Corporate Records Demands
A split Delaware Supreme Court decision allows, in rare cases, news articles published after a formal demand to serve as a credible basis for corporate records suits. Legal teams should heed this n...
Second Circuit Dismisses Hernández Appeal After Trump Pardon
The Second Circuit dismissed ex-Honduran President Hernández’s appeal after a Trump pardon, spotlighting the far-reaching impact of presidential pardons on international criminal cases.
Delaware Chancery Nixes Section 225 Claim Over Fake Corporate Records
The Delaware Court of Chancery rejected a director determination action based on fraudulent documents, clarifying its stance on governance disputes in a key March 2026 ruling.
Washington’s New Millionaire Tax Faces Constitutional Lawsuit
Washington's 9.9% income tax on millionaires, effective 2028, is facing a swift legal challenge, testing the state's constitutional limits and tax planning for the wealthy.
Federal Judge Sends Wiretap Dispute Back to Pennsylvania State Court
A Pennsylvania federal court remanded wiretap and privacy claims to state court, clarifying forum options for legal teams. Recent state rulings also bolster defense arguments.
Planned Parenthood Sues to Halt Nevada Parental-Notice Abortion Law
Planned Parenthood is challenging Nevada's reinstated parental-notice abortion law for minors, raising legal questions for compliance and counsel post-Dobbs.
John Deere Settles Right-to-Repair Suit for $99 Million
John Deere will pay $99 million to settle claims it restricted farmers' repair access, marking a major development in right-to-repair legal battles.