USA Archive - Law Commentary

A doctor discussing treatment options with a patient in a clinical setting.

Medical Products Liability Cases Require Plaintiffs to Show They Would Have Denied Treatments if Given Stronger Warnings

A woman who received electroconvulsive therapy for depression sued Somatics, LLC, the manufacturer of an FDA-cleared device that delivers electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), aka electric shock treatment, to treat severe major depressive episodes. Before undergoing her treatment, the patient was only warned that ECT could cause short-term memory loss. Unfortunately, her... Read More about Medical Products Liability Cases Require Plaintiffs to Show They Would Have Denied Treatments if Given Stronger Warnings

The U.S. Supreme Court building at sunset, symbolizing a key ruling on federal agency power.

Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Doctrine, Restricting Federal Agency Power

On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a 1984 precedent that had long empowered government agencies to interpret ambiguous laws. The 6-3 ruling, which came in a fishing industry regulation case, is a triumph for opponents of expansive government oversight and deals a setback to President Joe Biden's administration. The... Read More about Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Doctrine, Restricting Federal Agency Power

NFL Ordered to Pay Billions to 'Sunday Ticket' Subscribers Over Antitrust Violations

On Thursday, the NFL suffered a significant loss in a long-standing class-action lawsuit filed by "Sunday Ticket" subscribers, who challenged the NFL over alleged antitrust violations and the costs associated with the DirecTV "Sunday Ticket" broadcast package. The verdict, delivered in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of... Read More about NFL Ordered to Pay Billions to 'Sunday Ticket' Subscribers Over Antitrust Violations

Purdue Pharma's OxyContin bottles and pills, symbolizing the opioid crisis and recent Supreme Court ruling on bankruptcy settlement.

Supreme Court Blocks Purdue Pharma's Bankruptcy Settlement Shielding Sacklers from Opioid Lawsuits

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday blocked a bankruptcy settlement involving OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, which would have shielded the wealthy Sackler family owners from lawsuits related to their role in the nation’s opioid epidemic. The 5-4 decision reverses a lower court ruling that had upheld the plan, which included... Read More about Supreme Court Blocks Purdue Pharma's Bankruptcy Settlement Shielding Sacklers from Opioid Lawsuits

Protesters hold signs supporting abortion rights outside the U.S. Supreme Court.

U.S. Supreme Court Allows Abortions for Medical Emergencies in Idaho

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday to allow abortions to be performed in Idaho when pregnant women face medical emergencies. The decision came with a 6-3 vote, with three conservative justices dissenting. The Supreme Court’s decision effectively reinstates a lower court ruling that Idaho's near-total abortion ban must defer... Read More about U.S. Supreme Court Allows Abortions for Medical Emergencies in Idaho

A couple poses together outdoors with a scenic backdrop, smiling and enjoying their time together.

Wife Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Husband Electrocuted in Resort Hot Tub

A vacation to mark the start of summer turned into a nightmare after a couple was shocked and electrocuted while in a hot tub at a Mexico resort. Now, Lizzette Zambrano of El Paso County, Texas, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the resort and vacation rental companies Casago,... Read More about Wife Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Husband Electrocuted in Resort Hot Tub

A wooden roller coaster in operation with riders experiencing excitement and thrill.

Myrtle Beach Roller Coaster Ride Leaves Man Paralyzed From the Neck Down, Says New Lawsuit

A new lawsuit accuses the iconic 55-year-old Swamp Fox roller coaster at Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina of causing a man to become paralyzed from the neck down. The lawsuit, which was filed last week in the Horry County Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court by the man's... Read More about Myrtle Beach Roller Coaster Ride Leaves Man Paralyzed From the Neck Down, Says New Lawsuit

President Joe Biden speaking about student loan relief, with the U.S. flag and presidential seal in the background.

Biden’s SAVE Plan for Student Loan Forgiveness Temporarily Halted by Federal Judges

Federal judges in Kansas and Missouri temporarily blocked a key component of President Joe Biden's latest attempt to forgive student loan debt. The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, designed to make debt repayment more affordable for low- and middle-income borrowers, was set to take effect on July 1... Read More about Biden’s SAVE Plan for Student Loan Forgiveness Temporarily Halted by Federal Judges

Gavel on a desk in a courtroom with blurred rows of seats in the background.

Proposed Ballot Initiative That Would Require Voters to Approve New Taxes Struck Down by CA Supreme Court

The California Supreme Court has unanimously blocked efforts to place the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” (TPA or the Act) on the November ballot. The TPA would have amended the State Constitution to require every new tax imposed by state law to be the subject of a ballot referendum.... Read More about Proposed Ballot Initiative That Would Require Voters to Approve New Taxes Struck Down by CA Supreme Court

An urban building with a modern glass facade in a commercial area, featuring a blend of contemporary and historical architecture.

Major Music Companies Sue AI Startups Over Copyright Infringement Allegations

Three of the world’s largest music companies—Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, and Warner Music Group—filed lawsuits on Monday against two generative AI startups, Suno and Udio, accusing them of infringing on artists’ and labels’ copyrights to create their AI-driven music composition tools. Udio, the AI company behind the viral... Read More about Major Music Companies Sue AI Startups Over Copyright Infringement Allegations

Group of children using smartphones while standing in a hallway.

California Settles $500,000 Suit With Media Company That Shared Minors’ Data Without Parental Consent

Tilting Point Media LLC, (Tilting Point) which describes itself as a “free-to-play publisher” of dozens of apps and video games, has reached a $500,000 settlement with the Attorney General of California and the Los Angeles City Attorney for violating laws that prohibit the collecting and dissemination of children’s data without... Read More about California Settles $500,000 Suit With Media Company That Shared Minors’ Data Without Parental Consent

Julian Assange gesturing with peace signs outside a building.

Julian Assange to Plead Guilty in U.S. Espionage Case, Secures Release from Prison

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is set to plead guilty to a felony charge under a deal with the U.S. Justice Department. The deal will see him freed from prison and resolve a high-profile legal saga that has spanned over a decade. The agreement, outlined in court papers filed late Monday,... Read More about Julian Assange to Plead Guilty in U.S. Espionage Case, Secures Release from Prison

A person holding a flag featuring the rainbow plus trans pride colors in front of the Supreme Court building.

Supreme Court Agrees to Review Constitutionality of Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

On Monday (June 24), the Supreme Court agreed to hear the Biden Administration’s challenge to Tennessee’s controversial ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The justices, expected to hear arguments close to the November presidential election, will deliberate on the constitutionality of these bans, with the potential to impact similar... Read More about Supreme Court Agrees to Review Constitutionality of Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

A group of young people holding signs and banners advocating for climate action and environmental preservation.

Hawaii Reaches Landmark Settlement with Youth Over Climate Change Lawsuit

The state of Hawaii has reached a settlement with a group of young people who sued the state over its greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. This marks the first time such a youth-led climate change lawsuit has been settled in the United States. The 2022 lawsuit was filed... Read More about Hawaii Reaches Landmark Settlement with Youth Over Climate Change Lawsuit

Demonstrators holding signs advocating for gun restrictions for domestic violence offenders outside the U.S. Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Upholds Law Banning Guns for Domestic Violence Offenders

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal law that criminalizes firearm possession for individuals under domestic violence restraining orders. The 8-1 ruling marks a significant victory for President Joe Biden's administration and maintains critical protections for abuse victims, predominantly women. Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative, authored the... Read More about Supreme Court Upholds Law Banning Guns for Domestic Violence Offenders