Legal news roundup – May 12

Posted in In the news on May 12, 2020

Here’s a roundup of some of the top legal stories from the past week.

President Trump’s Financial Records

The Guardian / May 12 – The Supreme Court heard arguments concerning Donald Trump’s tax returns on Tuesday. Trump did not release his tax returns during the 2016 election. He has not done so since. Trump is asking the justices to put an end to subpoenas for tax, bank and other financial records. The verdict could determine how much immunity a sitting president has against reviews from government. Click here for the full story.

Remote Courtrooms

Law360 / May 11 – Case backlogs and delays continue to rise due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, judges say they plan on utilizing remote courtrooms – including virtual trials – until justice systems can be completely reopened. Chief Judge Ricardo Martinez said, “I think [virtual trials are] going to be the wave of the future until we can reassure jurors and everyone walking into the courthouse that they are going to be safe.” On Monday, the Supreme Court kicked off its second week of arguments held remotely by teleconference. Click here for the full story.

COVID-19 Crimes

Law360 / May 11 – Prosecutors have ramped up efforts to combat price-gouging and hoarding of key supplies, including personal protective equipment. Numerous other fraud prosecutions are likely to arise from the pandemic. “I suspect that come late summer to fall, white-collar and securities practitioners are going to be very busy,” said former prosecutor David Miller. Click here for the full story.

Coronavirus Business Immunity

Law360 / May 12 – Should businesses be shielded from civil suits related to worker and consumer COVID-19 infections? That’s the question Congress debated. Senators determined that the federal government needs to issue enforceable workplace standards before any federal law can be passed. Click here for the full story.

Facebook Settlement

Bloomberg / May 8 – Facebook Inc. agreed to pay $550 million to settle claims it collected user biometric data without consent. The deal is one of the largest consumer privacy settlements in U.S. history. Class members will collect between $150 and $300. Click here for the full story.

Lawsuit Filed Against IKEA

PR Newswire / May 8 – A class action lawsuit has been filed related to IKEA’s recall of 30 million dressers. IKEA allegedly knew that the products were prone to tip over. The complaint alleges IKEA dressers have caused death and injury to children. Click here for the full story.