Does Jury Verdict Offer Big Tech Critics a Path to Victory?
The Washington Post reports that video game maker Epic Games’ recent victory over Google in an antitrust suit may point to a new strategy for future challengers hoping to take on big tech. Earlier this week, a jury decided that Google’s app store – Google Play – constituted an illegal monopoly. This comes after Epic lost a similar battle against Apple to have its app store deemed a monopoly. Samuel Weinstein, a professor at the Cardozo School of Law, said of Epic’s win “If I was thinking about suing Google, I might think this is evidence that juries can be convinced to fight against Google.” The author opines that jurors may be more akin to everyday consumers rather than judges who are well-versed in competition policy.
Tis' the Season for Jury Scammers
As the holiday season ramps up, jury scammers are increasing their efforts to swindle targets out of money. The Center for Jury Studies at NCSC has a Jury Scam Toolkit available here and free posters that courts can display at the courthouse and provide to local government agencies, transportation hubs, drug stores, etc. If interested in these posters, please contact Paula Hannaford-Agor with your name, mailing address, and the number of posters you would like shipped.
FL Bill Could Excuse New Mothers from Jury Service
Fox35 Orlando reports that the Florida legislature is considering a bill that would excuse some women from jury service. The bill, filed by Rep. Caroline Amesty, would permit women who have given birth fewer than six months before being summoned for jury service to be excused. The House Civil Justice Subcommittee voted unanimously to approve the potential law; if enacted, it would go into effect beginning on July 1, 2024.