Legal News for Fri 8/2 - NFL $4.7b Verdict Dismissed, FTC Investigates Grocery Prices, US Senate Approves Bill to Create 66 New Judgeships

Minimum Competence

This Day in Legal History: Declaration of Independence Signed

On August 2, 1776, the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence took place in Philadelphia, solidifying a pivotal moment in American history. Although the Declaration was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, the actual signing by the delegates occurred nearly a month later. John Hancock, serving as the President of the Continental Congress, famously provided the first and most prominent signature. This event marked the official assertion of the thirteen American colonies' intention to separate from British rule.

The Declaration, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and expressed the fundamental principles of individual liberty and government by consent. The document became a symbol of American ideals and aspirations, laying the foundation for the nation's democratic framework. The signing involved 56 delegates representing the colonies, each risking their lives and fortunes for the cause of independence. This collective act of defiance against British authority galvanized the revolutionary spirit and united the colonies in their quest for freedom. The Declaration of Independence remains a cornerstone of American identity and continues to inspire movements for liberty and justice around the world.

A quick fun fact coda, there are 225 nations spread out across the globe, of which 163 celebrate some form of independence. 63 of them celebrate their independence from Great Britain specifically, lending some sense of scope to the span of the British empire at its zenith. Stretching those out equally across the year, on average every 6 days a country celebrates its independence from British rule.

A U.S. judge in California dismissed a $4.7 billion verdict against the NFL regarding allegations of overcharging for the "Sunday Ticket" telecasts. The decision by U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez followed the NFL's argument that the jury's verdict was unjustified. The NFL welcomed the ruling, stating their media distribution model offers various options for fans.

The lawsuit claimed "Sunday Ticket" prices were inflated to limit subscriptions and protect broadcast network fees. Judge Gutierrez rejected key witness testimonies and found the jury's damages verdict unsupported by evidence, rendering the case unable to proceed.

The ruling can be appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Initially, a jury had found that the NFL's exclusive distribution allowed DirecTV to charge higher prices, awarding substantial damages based on residential and commercial subscriptions. The NFL denied the overcharging claims, calling the damages amount baseless, while the plaintiffs accused the NFL of speculating about the jury's decision process.

NFL Gets $4.7 Billion Sunday Ticket Jury Award Tossed Out (2)

US judge throws out $4.7 billion verdict against NFL in 'Sunday Ticket' lawsuit | Reuters

Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan is advocating for an investigation into the persistent rise in grocery prices that began during the Covid-19 pandemic and has become a significant issue in the presidential campaign.

During a virtual public meeting hosted by the FTC and Department of Justice, Khan emphasized the need to understand why grocery prices and profits remain high despite apparent cost reductions. She stated the FTC's commitment to ensuring Americans are not subjected to inflated prices due to illegal business practices and will formally request the agency to initiate the inquiry, pending a commission vote.

The inquiry would involve large grocery retailers and examine their sales, costs, and profits for common products. Grocery prices have surged by about 25% over the past four years, outpacing overall consumer price increases. An FTC study found that major grocery stores gained a competitive edge over smaller rivals during the pandemic and may have leveraged inflation to boost profits.

Khan's remarks were made during the first meeting of the Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing, aimed at addressing business practices that elevate consumer prices. The FTC is also investigating pricing practices related to the use of personal data, algorithms, and AI to set individualized prices.

FTC Chair Khan Pushes for Inquiry Into Elevated Grocery Prices

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan proposal to create 66 new judgeships for federal district courts over the next decade, marking the first major judiciary expansion since 1990. The bill, known as the JUDGES Act, aims to address increasing caseloads by adding judges in 25 district courts across 13 states, including California, Texas, and Delaware. The legislation will now move to the U.S. House of Representatives. No new judgeships have been established since 2003, with previous attempts stalled due to partisan concerns over filling vacancies.

The JUDGES Act proposes adding new judicial seats incrementally, starting in January 2025. The bill is designed to handle the surge in court filings since the last comprehensive judgeship bill in 1990. The judiciary currently has 677 authorized district court seats, with 10 temporary ones set to become permanent under separate legislation. The JUDGES Act also has support from House Republicans, with Representative Darrell Issa backing the measure. The Judicial Conference, represented by Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr., expressed gratitude for the Senate's approval and urged the House to pass the bill when they reconvene.

US Senate approves bill to create 66 new federal judgeships | Reuters

This week’s closing theme is by Franz Liszt.

This week's closing theme features the music of the renowned Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist, Franz Liszt. Born in 1811, Liszt was one of the most influential figures in the Romantic era of classical music. He was celebrated for his extraordinary skill at the piano and his innovative compositions, which pushed the boundaries of music during his time.

Our spotlight this week is on Liszt's most famous piece, "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2," S. 244/2. This composition is part of a larger set of 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies, which are inspired by Hungarian folk music and showcase Liszt's technical prowess and expressive depth. The "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" is particularly known for its dramatic contrasts, lively rhythms, and virtuosic demands on the performer, making it a beloved piece in both classical and popular music spheres.

This piece has also been famously orchestrated, adding rich textures and vibrant colors to Liszt's original piano composition.

Liszt's connection to August 2 is marked by his passing on this date in 1886. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. As we close this week, let the spirited and captivating melodies of "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" transport you to the heart of Liszt's musical genius.

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