Rule

Class Action Attorneys Contest New Draft Rule Said to Conflate Key Legal Practices in Multidistrict Litigation

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legal professionals specializing in class action lawsuits are rallying for significant amendments to a proposed regulation concerning multidistrict litigation (MDL). They argue that the draft rule, designed to streamline early-stage litigation for cases consolidated from different jurisdictions, does not adequately distinguish between mass torts and class actions. These litigators claim the rule could disrupt long-established best practices for managing class-related MDLs. The proposed changes, which underwent scrutiny by the judiciary’s Advisory Committee on Civil Rules earlier this year, aim primarily to aid judges new to MDL responsibilities. By pushing lawyers to agree … Read more

U.S. Judicial Panel Implements New Rule for Handling Federal Mass Tort Cases

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Washington, D.C. – In a significant development, a U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has approved a new procedural rule aimed at streamlining the complex process of handling federal mass tort lawsuits, these large-scale cases often involve numerous plaintiffs from across the country suing based on similar claims against companies or other entities. The newly adopted rule intends to enhance efficiency and fairness in the legal handling of mass torts, which frequently encompass cases like pharmaceutical litigations, environmental disasters, and consumer product failures. The decision was met with broad support from various stakeholders within the … Read more

Federal Rule Proposal Seeks Transparency in Amicus Brief Funding, Inviting Public Comment and Debate

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Washington, D.C.— Amid growing concerns over transparency in judicial proceedings, a proposed rule that would require the disclosure of funding sources for amicus curiae briefs has been opened for public comment by the Judicial Conference’s Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure. This decision marks a stride toward greater openness in the court system and has stirred both interest and controversy. Judge Jay Bybee of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, who leads the Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules, acknowledged the contentious nature of the proposal. “The rule aims to shed light … Read more

Jury to Rule on Alleged Election Intimidation by Trump Supporters in 2020 Campaign Bus Incident

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AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas jury is currently deliberating a case involving a convoy of then-President Donald Trump’s supporters, who allegedly used threatening tactics against a Biden-Harris campaign bus and its occupants in the days leading up to the 2020 Presidential Election. The incident occurred on a highway stretch between San Antonio and Austin and involved several vehicles that besieged the campaign bus, effectively hindering its passage and leading to the cancellation of a scheduled campaign event. The trial, which commenced on September 9, revisits the claims that the Trump supporters’ aggressive driving constituted a … Read more