USA Archive - Law Commentary

Walmart Hit with $34.7 Million Defamation Verdict in Workers' Comp Case

A San Bernardino County jury awarded former Walmart truck driver Jesse Fonseca $34.7 million after finding the retail giant defamed him when terminating his employment on accusations of workers' compensation fraud. The verdict, reached on November 15, 2024, includes $25 million in punitive damages, reflecting the jury’s view of Walmart's... Read More about Walmart Hit with $34.7 Million Defamation Verdict in Workers' Comp Case

Taylor Swift performing on stage with backup dancers, showcasing her energetic performance style.

Taylor Swift's “Shake It Off” Copyright Lawsuit Officially Dismissed After Years of Legal Battles

Taylor Swift’s long-running legal battle over her 2014 megahit “Shake It Off” has officially come to a close. As of June 2025, the copyright infringement lawsuit filed against the pop star by songwriters Sean Hall and Nathan Butler has been formally dismissed, ending nearly eight years of litigation that centered... Read More about Taylor Swift's “Shake It Off” Copyright Lawsuit Officially Dismissed After Years of Legal Battles

A gavel and a sign reading "CLASS ACTION" are displayed on a table in a modern courtroom setting.

US Supreme Court Sidesteps Major Class-Action Certification Question

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a high-profile class-action case, declining to decide whether federal courts can certify classes that include both injured and uninjured members. In Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings v. Davis, the court had initially agreed to consider whether a federal court could approve a damages... Read More about US Supreme Court Sidesteps Major Class-Action Certification Question

Jimmy Buffett performing on stage with a guitar, wearing a colorful shirt and shorts, in front of a band setup.

Jimmy Buffett’s $275 Million Estate Sparks Bitter Legal Fight

A legal dispute has erupted over the $275 million estate of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, as his widow, Jane Buffett, and the trust’s accountant are clashing in courts across two states. Jane Buffett initiated proceedings in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging mismanagement by Rick Mozenter, the estate's co-trustee. A... Read More about Jimmy Buffett’s $275 Million Estate Sparks Bitter Legal Fight

Image of the California Supreme Court building, showcasing its architecture against a cloudy sky.

California Supreme Court Narrows Felony Murder Rule, Offers Relief for Non-Killer Accomplices

The California Supreme Court has issued a ruling clarifying the standards for convicting accomplices under the state's felony murder law, potentially altering the sentences of hundreds of inmates currently serving lengthy prison terms despite not directly committing homicide. The felony murder rule is a legal doctrine that allows prosecutors to... Read More about California Supreme Court Narrows Felony Murder Rule, Offers Relief for Non-Killer Accomplices

Image of a box containing weight-loss medication pens, specifically semaglutide injections, used for obesity treatment.

Gov. Newsom Targets Weight-Loss Drugs in Bid to Balance Medi-Cal Budget

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed eliminating Medi-Cal coverage for popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy as part of efforts to control spiraling healthcare costs in the state’s public health insurance program. The proposal, announced on Wednesday, aims to address significant budget overruns, potentially saving California an estimated $85 million... Read More about Gov. Newsom Targets Weight-Loss Drugs in Bid to Balance Medi-Cal Budget

Eminem performing on stage with an enthusiastic audience in the foreground.

Eminem’s Publishing Company Sues Meta for $109 Million Over Unlicensed Song Use

Eight Mile Style, the publishing company behind Eminem’s extensive catalog, has filed a $109 million lawsuit against Meta, accusing the tech giant of using 243 of the rapper’s songs without permission across its social platforms. The complaint, filed in federal court in Nashville, claims Meta knowingly made Eminem’s songs available... Read More about Eminem’s Publishing Company Sues Meta for $109 Million Over Unlicensed Song Use

Lizzo posing in a black fashion outfit at a public event.

Lizzo Asserts First Amendment Defense in High-Profile Harassment Lawsuit Appeal

Pop star Lizzo has filed an appeal to dismiss a high-profile sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit brought by former backup dancers, claiming the suit infringes upon her constitutional rights to free speech and artistic expression. In a legal brief submitted last month, attorneys representing Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa... Read More about Lizzo Asserts First Amendment Defense in High-Profile Harassment Lawsuit Appeal

A close-up of a firearm setup featuring an assault rifle, a magazine, and ammunition rounds on a surface.

Supreme Court Declines Major Gun Rights Case, Maryland AR-15 Ban Remains

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to review a major Second Amendment challenge to Maryland’s law banning certain semiautomatic rifles, including the AR-15. The Court's brief, unsigned order offered no explanation, leaving the 2013 Maryland statute in effect. This decision underscores the Court’s cautious approach toward Second Amendment disputes,... Read More about Supreme Court Declines Major Gun Rights Case, Maryland AR-15 Ban Remains

Iconic rap group posing in a retro style, featuring distinctive fashion and expressions.

Chili’s Settles Lawsuits with UMG, Beastie Boys Over Unauthorized Music Use

Universal Music Group (UMG) and iconic rap group Beastie Boys have each reached confidential settlements resolving their lawsuits against Chili’s parent company, Brinker International. Both lawsuits accused the restaurant chain of improperly using copyrighted music in social media advertisements without obtaining required synchronization licenses. In separate federal court filings on... Read More about Chili’s Settles Lawsuits with UMG, Beastie Boys Over Unauthorized Music Use

Tentative Boeing Agreement Includes $1.1 Billion in Fines and Safety Measures

Boeing Co. has reached a tentative agreement with the U.S. Justice Department, potentially allowing the aerospace giant to avoid criminal charges stemming from two fatal crashes of its 737 Max aircraft. The crashes, involving Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019, resulted... Read More about Tentative Boeing Agreement Includes $1.1 Billion in Fines and Safety Measures

Harvard University sign displayed on a building window, with tree branches reflected in the glass.

Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt to Revoke Harvard’s International Student Certification

A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s effort to revoke Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), preserving the university's ability to enroll international students. Harvard University filed a lawsuit last Friday challenging the administration’s decision, arguing it was retaliatory and violated multiple constitutional... Read More about Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt to Revoke Harvard’s International Student Certification

Surgical team performing an operation with medical instruments arranged on a tray.

Minnesota Woman Sues Hospital After Surgeon Mistakenly Removes Healthy Kidney

A Twin Cities woman has filed a lawsuit alleging medical malpractice and battery, claiming her surgeon mistakenly removed a healthy kidney instead of her spleen during routine surgery. Wendy Rappaport, of Plymouth, filed the suit last week, naming the Allina Health hospital system, surgeon Dr. Devon Callahan, and Allina Health... Read More about Minnesota Woman Sues Hospital After Surgeon Mistakenly Removes Healthy Kidney

Sign outside Emory University Hospital, where a complex legal and ethical case regarding a pregnant, brain-dead woman is unfolding.

Georgia Law Faces Scrutiny After Pregnant, Brain-Dead Woman Kept Alive for Fetus

The complex case of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old nurse from Georgia who was declared brain dead at approximately nine weeks pregnant, has ignited fierce debate over the state's restrictive abortion laws, raising significant legal and ethical questions. Smith has remained on life support for over 90 days, with doctors at... Read More about Georgia Law Faces Scrutiny After Pregnant, Brain-Dead Woman Kept Alive for Fetus

View of Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas at dusk.

Two Las Vegas Hotels Face Multiple Bed Bug Lawsuits

Two prominent Las Vegas hotels are facing lawsuits from guests alleging negligence after suffering bed bug bites during their stays. Courtney and Stephen Gully of Illinois, along with Briana McKenzie of Washington State, filed lawsuits against the Luxor Hotel. At the same time, Teresa Bruce of California brought a separate... Read More about Two Las Vegas Hotels Face Multiple Bed Bug Lawsuits