Legal News

Morning Wrap

By Zoe Tillman

RICO Loophole: A Washington federal court judge ruled yesterday that the U.S. government cannot force British American Tobacco to comply with the injunctive relief ordered against the tobacco industry. Am Law Litigation Daily explains that the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Morrison v. National Australia Bank has made it possible for foreign defendants to argue for exemption under federal racketeering laws.

Layoffs: Another rounds of state budget cuts could force the New York state court system to layoff hundreds of nonjudicial employees, the New York Law Journal reports. Court officials had already planned to cut $100 million from their budget, but state lawmakers are asking for an additional $70 million in cuts.

NFL Lockout: The Washington Post has a profile of Minnesota federal court Judge Susan Richard Nelson, who is overseeing the escalating dispute between National Football League players and team owners. Nelson has a reputation as a "master mediator," according to colleagues.

New Strategy: To battle a growing methamphetamine problem, a number of states are considering legislation that would place more restrictions on several popular over-the-counter drugs, such as Sudafed, the New York Times reports. The pharmaceutical industry is fiercely opposing these efforts, saying it would cost consumers more in doctor's visits.

In Vino Veritas: Marylanders who want a special vintage shipped to their home may soon be able to do so without breaking the law. After a lengthy fight spanning several legislative sessions, the Baltimore Sun reports that state lawmakers have approved legislation that would allow for direct shipment.

Full post as published by The BLT: The Blog of Legal Times on March 29, 2011 (boomark / email).