Legal news affects our everyday lives, whether we notice it or not. Here’s a summary of a few of this month’s major cases.
Facebook Facing Lawsuit Alleging Photo Technology Violates Rights
Facebook Inc. will continue to face a lawsuit alleging that its photo scanning technology violates the rights of users. A federal judge ruled that Facebook must face claims that it violated the privacy of millions of users by gathering and storing biometric data without their consent.
Toyota Was Aware of Decreased Prius Fuel Economy, Says Lawsuit
A lawsuit was filed this month in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles alleging that Toyota failed to alert consumers that a fix for an issue with its Prius model cars caused drivers to lose fuel economy. According to the lawsuit, the carmaker “concealed from consumers that the software reflash decreased the fuel efficiency — defeating the very purpose of owning these hybrid vehicles.” The complaint states that a fix for problems with the electrical system overheating led to a decrease in the cars’ fuel economy by about five miles per gallon.
What’s actually happening when a cryptocurrency gets hacked?
In late January, the Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck was hacked, costing 260,000 users over $530 million in NEM, a cryptocurrency similar to bitcoin. This is the largest hack of its kind, but not the first. The previous record holder for largest crypto-heist was Mt. Gox, another exchange that saw $450 million in bitcoin stolen in 2014 leading to civil and criminal actions.
Four States File Suit Challenging Electoral College System
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Lawsuits have been filed in four states challenging the Electoral College system for elections, which allows a candidate to win the election despite losing the popular vote. The complaint was filed by a coalition that includes a Latino membership organization and a former Massachusetts governor and contends that the “system denies citizens their constitutional right to an equal vote by discarding votes for candidates who lose in a state and magnifying the votes of those who win there.” The lawsuits were filed in federal courts in Massachusetts, California, South Carolina, and Texas.
Immigration law doesn’t give detained immigrants the right to periodic bond hearings, SCOTUS rules
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that federal laws do not give detained immigrants the right to twice-a-year bond hearings. The Supreme Court decision overturned a ruling by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Ulta Beauty Faces Class Claims of Restocking Used Products
Popular cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty is facing prospective class claims in Illinois federal court after a complaint was filed by a California customer of the cosmetics-retailer who alleged that the company was instructing its stores to repackage and reshelf returned products alongside new products.
Title VII protects workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation
An en banc federal appeals court has ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
SEC issues new guidance on cybersecurity disclosure
The interpretive guidance, which is a format used to clarify the SEC’s views on security laws and regulations, was built on a 2011 report on the same topic and unanimously approved by all five members of the commission.
Federal officials consider changing hurdle for student borrowers hoping to erase debt in bankruptcy
The U.S. Department of Education will review whether there is a need to change the way “undue hardship” is evaluated in bankruptcy for student borrowers seeking to erase their loans.
Lawsuit Takes Aim at Trump Administration Marijuana Policy
Another courtroom battle promises to pull the White House into the legal spotlight as crucial arguments are heard in New York in a sweeping lawsuit that is challenging the administration’s marijuana policy by seeking to legalize pot under federal law.
Our attorneys at McCoy, Hiestand & Smith strive to keep our community informed so check back with us monthly for a Legal News Update!
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