2014 Litigation Legal News Archives

November 2014

Gun Sellers Sue California Over Ban on Handgun Displays

Wednesday, 12 November, 2014

Four firearms distributors in California have filed a lawsuit against a state law that prevents gun sellers from displaying pictures of handguns in posters or advertisements in view of the public.  Alleging that the law, in place since 1923, violates the weapons dealers’ First Amendment right to commercial speech, the four … continue reading

October 2014

You've Been Served - on Facebook?

Monday, 20 October, 2014

Two US judges recently allowed service of process on Facebook. "Service of process" is the means by which a plaintiff gives notice to the defendant that the defendant has been sued. Each state and country has its own rules regarding how process may be served. In the US, papers are often delivered … continue reading

Houston Officials Clash with Pastors over Sermon Subpoenas

Saturday, 18 October, 2014

City officials in Houston, Texas came under fire this week for issuing a wide-ranging subpoena to gather content from religious sermons issued by pastors who are opposed to the city’s new approach to equal rights for gay citizens.  The subpoenas, issued as part of a lawsuit filed by church leaders, … continue reading

Twitter Sues US Government over Electronic Surveillance Transparency

Wednesday, 8 October, 2014

Social media giant Twitter has filed a lawsuit against the United States government over expansive, and secretive, surveillance operations that the company claims violate its right to free speech.  Twitter’s lawsuit is the latest legal action in an increasingly tense dispute between Silicon Valley tech companies and Washington, D.C. lawmakers … continue reading

September 2014

Halliburton Agrees to $1.1 Billion Settlement in Deepwater Horizon Litigation

Wednesday, 3 September, 2014

Halliburton Co. has agreed to pay a $1.1 billion settlement to Gulf Coast residents, local governments, and businesses negatively affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  The settlement pre-empts legal action against Halliburton from the affected communities, and likely limits the company from any additional liability stemming from the … continue reading

July 2014

Police Officers Immune from Taser Lawsuit

Monday, 28 July, 2014

A federal appeals court has determined that Missouri police who fatally stunned a mentally ill man with a Taser are not legally liable for his death.  The Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit ruled that St. Louis police officers did not act unreasonably, despite the unfortunate outcome.  Following the … continue reading

Johns Hopkins Hospital Agrees to $190 Million Settlement in Gynecologist Lawsuit

Monday, 21 July, 2014

Johns Hopkins Hospital has reached a preliminary settlement of $190 million with victims of a gynecologist who secretly filmed and photographed thousands of patients.  The settlement looks to wrap up a class action lawsuit against the Baltimore medical center filed after a tip led investigators to discover over 1,000 videos … continue reading

Apple Settles Anti-Trust Lawsuit for $400 Million

Thursday, 17 July, 2014

Apple has agreed to refund over $400 million to consumers who were victims of the company’s plan to raise prices of digital e-books sold on its devices.  The settlement, which is contingent on a 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals judge affirming a ruling against Apple, will wrap up the multi-million … continue reading

June 2014

Ed O'Bannon v NCAA Lawsuit Finally Reaches Courthouse

Wednesday, 11 June, 2014

The highly profitable business of college sports faces a compelling legal challenge this week as the much anticipated Ed O’Bannon v NCAA has finally reached the courthouse.  Ed O’Bannon, a former UCLA basketball player, is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by several current and former collegiate athletes seeking … continue reading

April 2014

General Mills Retreats from Binding Arbitration Clause

Monday, 21 April, 2014

Cereal giant General Mills created a stir this week when it attempted to change its legal terms to include a binding arbitration clause on any consumer who downloads a coupon or joins the company’s online community via Facebook.  Arbitration clauses are growing in popularity amongst large companies, and General Mills’ … continue reading

March 2014

Legal News of the Week: Judge Blocks Chevron Legal Judgment and New Jersey Teen Loses Suit Against Parents

Wednesday, 5 March, 2014

Judges take center stage this week, with three important rulings ranging from a high dollar environmental case to an unusual lawsuit by a wayward New Jersey teenager.  Chevron Earns Victory over Ecuador in Federal Court A federal judge in New York has blocked Ecuadorean plaintiffs from using United States courts to collect … continue reading