News from December 2016
FTC OKs final consent order against Mars Petcare, settling allegations of false advertising
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Dec. 13 that, following a public comment period, it has approved a final consent order against Mars Petcare U.S. settling charges of false advertising related to the health benefits of the company’s Eukanuba brand dog food.
Judges mentor students on civics at South Hagerstown High School
Washington County students recently participated in a Civics and Law Academy event at South Hagerstown High School.
ILR study focuses on double-dipping in Virginia asbestos cases
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Legal Newsline) - Legislation bringing greater transparency to an asbestos victims’ compensation system that can result in attorneys and their clients collecting multiple times for the same alleged injury is the best way to prevent duplicitous exposure claims from being made, concludes a review of court cases in Virginia's asbestos litigation “epicenter.”
Second Circuit: Plaintiff lacks standing to bring two Truth in Lending Act claims
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) -- In the Strubel v. Comenity Bank case, the plaintiff has challenged the way Comenity issued disclosures with a retail store credit card.
U.S. government accuses New Jersey business of Medicare fraud
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. government is suing a New Jersey business and its owner, alleging fraud involving Medicare.
SEC charges two New Jersey-based traders with allegations of manipulating the stock market
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges Dec. 12 against New Jersey-based traders Joseph Taub and Elazar Shmalo for allegedly manipulating more than 2,000 NYSE- and NASDAQ-traded stocks and gaining roughly $26 million in profits from successful trades.
Wal-Mart store in Illinois to pay former employee $75,000 after allegations of disability discrimination
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - The EEOC announced Dec. 12 that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will pay a former employee $75,000 after allegations of disability discrimination.
EEOC takes action against Goodwill Industries in California for allegedly allowing sexual harassment
OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Dec. 13 alleging that Goodwill Industries of the East Bay Area in California, along with affiliate Calidad Industries, violated federal law by allowing sexual harassment and disability discrimination and retaliating against managers who tried to help the victims.
Property owners accuse Texas corporation of negligent misrepresentation
DENVER (Legal Newsline) — Four property owners are suing a Texas business and its officers, alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation and tortious interference.
St. Louis court tops list of ‘judicial hellholes’ by tort reform group
California, New York City’s asbestos court, Florida’s Supreme Court and South Florida, and New Jersey rounded out the American Tort Reform Association’s top five this year.
Young artists recognized for promoting peace through art
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera met with young artists on December 13 at the Maryland Judicial College Education and Conference Center in Annapolis.
Chicago firm targets class action objectors with RICO suit deemed 'frivolous' by defendant
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - A Texas attorney who often stands in the way of class action settlements and is currently being accused of racketeering in a class action lawsuit filed in an Illinois federal court says the suit is senseless.
Head of DOJ Criminal Division issues apology to prosecutors for panel comments
Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell said during a panel discussion last week that some criminal cases brought by the federal government don’t necessarily have merit and that oversight of federal prosecutors, in some districts, is not what it should be.
Harley-Davidson owners allege Twin Cam 103 engine is defective
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – Two California residents allege a specific Harley-Davidson engine's excessive heat can cause damages.
A Voice for Choice sues California over vaccination law
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A California nonprofit corporation and its members are suing the state of California and state officials, alleging violation of civil rights regarding mandated vaccinations.
Native American accuses Oklahoma of violating civil rights
OKLAHOMA CITY (Legal Newsline) — A California woman is suing the attorney general of Oklahoma, alleging violation of civil rights.
Four stockholders accuse Facebook of violating securities law
LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline) — Four stockholders are suing Facebook and its officers, alleging violation of federal law.
Forever 21 alleged to have sent unwanted marketing text messages
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A Queens County resident alleges a New York company sent her unwanted text messages.
Feds seek to halt merger between Alaska Air, Virgin America
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The federal government has filed a lawsuit to stop the merger of two airlines over claims it would lessen competition.
Tobacco product manufacturer claims Georgia's regulations hurt business
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) – A Virginia corporation alleges regulations in Georgia are violating its rights to do business in that state.