Litigation Nation

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.In this episode of Litigation Nation, co-hosts Danessa Watkins and Jack Sanker dive into two significant legal stories that highlight the intersection of technology, ethics, and the law.We begin with a high-profile criminal case in Georgia involving rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Williams. The case has garnered attention not only for its lengthy duration—now the longest criminal trial in Georgia's history—but also for the controversial use of rap lyrics as evidence in court. Danessa provides an update on a recent ruling from the Georgia Supreme Court that overturned a contempt conviction against Young Thug's attorney, Brian Steele. The ruling stemmed from an improper ex parte communication between the judge and a key witness, which raised serious concerns about due process and the integrity of the trial. The hosts analyze the implications of this ruling and the broader issues surrounding the criminal justice system's treatment of artists and their work.In the second segment, we shift gears to discuss a tragic case involving the death of a 14-year-old boy from Orlando, Florida, who developed an emotional attachment to an AI chatbot on the platform Character.ai. His mother has since filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that it misrepresented the chatbot as a real person and a licensed psychotherapist, ultimately leading to her son's tragic decision to take his own life after he spent months interacting with a chatbot designed to mimic Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. The episode explores the implications of AI companionship, particularly for vulnerable youth, and raises questions about the responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding their users.Join us as we unpack these complex issues and their far-reaching consequences in today's society.

In this episode of Litigation Nation, co-hosts Jack Sanker and Danessa Watkins dive into two significant legal developments.First, Danessa discusses the defamation lawsuit stemming from the Netflix miniseries "Baby Reindeer," which follows the tumultuous life of a Scottish comedian and his stalker. The series, based on the real-life experiences of comedian Richard Gadd, has sparked controversy after a woman named Fiona Harvey claimed the character Martha Scott was based on her. Harvey has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging defamation and emotional distress, among other claims. Netflix has responded with a motion to dismiss, citing the anti-SLAPP statute, arguing that the portrayal of Harvey is substantially true. The court's opinion reveals the complexities of the case, including the similarities between the character and Harvey, and the implications of Netflix's claim that the series is a true story.Next, we shift our focus to the wave of lawsuits filed against TikTok by multiple state attorneys general, including Illinois. These lawsuits allege that TikTok's business practices are harmful to young users, promoting addictive behavior and mental health issues. The complaints highlight TikTok's algorithm, features like infinite scrolling, and the platform's marketing strategies that target vulnerable youth. The Illinois Attorney General, Kwame Raoul, emphasizes the need to hold TikTok accountable for prioritizing profits over the well-being of children.Join us as we unpack these intriguing legal battles and explore the implications for both Netflix and TikTok in the ever-evolving landscape of media and technology.

Join us in this episode of Litigation Nation as host Jack Sankar and co-host Danessa Watkins welcome special guest Karl Seelbach, founder of Doyle & Seelbach and tech innovator behind Skribe.ai, a revolutionary deposition technology. With a wealth of experience in both law and technology, Karl shares his insights on the intersection of legal practice and innovation.In this episode, we dive deep into:Karl's journey from practicing attorney to tech entrepreneurThe evolution of his law firm and the challenges of starting freshThe inspiration behind Skribe.ai and how it aims to revolutionize the deposition processThe benefits of non-stenographic depositions and the role of technology in modern litigationThe impact of AI on the legal profession and how attorneys can adapt to stay relevantWhether you're a legal professional, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future of law, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!Litigation Nation listeners interested in 25% off of their first upload with Skribe.ai, please email Karl@Skribe.ai, and let him know you heard about Skribe.ai from the show, and would like to give it a try!Find Karl Seelbach:LinkedIn: Karl SeelbachX/Twitter: @KarlSeelbachEmail: Karl@skribe.ai

Welcome to this episode of Litigation Nation! Join hosts Danessa Watkins and Jack Sanker as they dive into the most intriguing legal news from across the country.In this episode, we discuss:A class action lawsuit against OnlyFans for alleged fraud and violations of federal racketeering statutes due to the use of online impersonators posing as models to scam subscribers.The new Illinois law requiring influencer parents to compensate their children for appearing in social media content, marking a significant shift in child labor laws.The ongoing family feud within the Murdoch family as Rupert Murdoch seeks to change the trust arrangement for his media empire, potentially favoring his son Lachlan over his other children.Tune in for a deep dive into these fascinating topics at the intersection of technology, the influencer economy, and media mogul dynamics. Don't forget to subscribe for more exciting legal discussions every two weeks!Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Welcome to Litigation Nation! In this episode, hosts Danessa Watkins and Jack Sanker dive into two intriguing legal cases. First, they discuss Disney's attempt to enforce a mandatory arbitration provision in a wrongful death case stemming from an allergic reaction at Disney World. Then, they explore the allegations of sexual misconduct and medical malpractice in a lawsuit filed against WWE's Vince McMahon. Join them as they dissect the legal intricacies and questionable decisions made by the parties involved. Tune in every other week for new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Don't miss out on the latest legal insights and court opinions from across the country! (00:00) - Intro (01:20) - Disney wants to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit because of a Disney Plus agreement (13:50) - Former WWE employee suing Vince McMahon seeks medical records in defamation lawsuit (27:55) - Outro

In this episode of Litigation Nation, we delve into the complex world of border security, migration, and the impact of artificial intelligence with special guest Petra Molnar, a lawyer, author, and anthropologist. Petra's extensive experience in conflict areas and militarized spaces around the world has provided her with unique insights into the intersection of technology and human rights.The episode also delves into the regulatory landscape of artificial intelligence in border security, with a focus on the European Union's AI Act and its implications for governing AI technologies. Petra raises concerns about the loopholes in the legislation and the need for stronger regulations to protect human rights.Read The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence here: www.bit.ly/LNBookshopLearn more about Petra and her work by visiting: www.PetraMolnar.com

In this episode we discuss what the Supreme Court immunity ruling means for Trump, and Supreme Court denial of certiorari in case brought against OSHA. (00:00) - - Intro (01:15) - - Supreme Court immunity ruling (57:30) - - Supreme Court denial of certiorari in OSHA case (01:16:27) - - Outro

Litigation Nation hosts Jack Sanker and Danessa Watkins dive into the recent landmark verdict finding Trump guilty of 34 charges of falsifying business records. They also explore the nuances of the case, including the jury's decision, sentencing considerations, and the possibility of Trump running for president despite the conviction. Join our discussion on the legal implications, potential appeals, and the impact on the political landscape in the comments below. Special thanks to summer intern Ava Rosenberg for her research contributions to this episode. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of high-profile legal cases and the impact on our society. (00:00) - Intro (01:09) - What happens now with Trump's 34 Felony Convictions (53:11) - Outro

In this episode, we discuss the widespread contamination of "forever chemicals" detailed in a bombshell expose by ProPublica and The New Yorker and the legal troubles faced by OpenAI, including allegations of using Scarlett Johansson's voice in their AI assistant technology and copyright infringement claims from authors like George R.R. Martin.(00:00) - Intro (01:30) - PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' Are Everywhere (34:29) - OpenAI & Copyright Infringement (01:01:36) - Outro

Tesla Securities and Wire Fraud Investigation:The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the ongoing investigation surrounding Tesla's marketing efforts and statements made by its CEO, Elon Musk, regarding the company's self-driving capabilities. The Department of Justice and the SEC are scrutinizing Tesla's claims about full self-driving features and the timeline for their release. The investigation raises questions about market manipulation and the impact of Musk's statements on Tesla's stock price.DOJ Settlement in Larry Nassar Case:The episode also covers a $138.7 million settlement reached by the Justice Department over the FBI's failures in the Larry Nassar case. Nassar, a former doctor, was accused of sexually abusing hundreds of women and girls, including athletes. The settlement covers 139 claims from survivors who alleged that the FBI failed to investigate or take action despite being aware of Nassar's crimes. The settlement aims to provide some compensation to the survivors and highlights the need for accountability and systemic changes within law enforcement.Analysis and Reflection:The hosts delve into the complexities of these legal cases, discussing the challenges of proving liability and the implications of the settlements. They explore the impact on the victims, the government's response, and the potential for improved training and protocols to prevent similar failures in the future. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic failures in the legal system.Tune in to Litigation Nation for insightful discussions on the latest legal issues and updates across the nation. Subscribe to get the latest episodes, and stay informed with the ever-changing legal landscape. (00:00) - - Intro (00:50) - - Tesla Under Investigation for Securities Fraud (05:30) - - Tesla's Full Self-Driving Claims (09:30) - - Shareholder Suits Against Tesla (16:45) - - DOJ Settlement Over Larry Nassar Case (22:30) - - Impact of Settlement on Nassar Survivors (28:50) - - Comparison with Other DOJ Settlements (38:27) - - Outro

Data Privacy Attorney, John Ochoa, joins the show to discuss a recent lawsuit of a beverage giant under Illinois Genetic Privacy Law, and a Texas judge says drag shows aren’t always protected by First Amendment, citing the “history and tradition” test, as the legal standard for his ruling. (00:00) - Intro (01:12) - Beverage giant sued under Illinois Genetic Privacy Law (28:46) - Justices using the controversial “history and tradition” test, as a legal standard in their rulings (42:45) - Outro

In this episode of Litigation Nation, we covered three significant legal developments.We discuss a case in New York where a woman was awarded $30 million in a revenge porn lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend, a cyber attack in Fulton County, Georgia, where hackers threatened to release sensitive court documents related to the Trump election case, and explore a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the removal of presidential candidates from state ballots. (00:00) - - Introduction to Revenge Porn Laws (05:30) - - Personal Experience with Cyberbullying Cases (10:04) - - Statistics on Revenge Porn Incidents (11:24) - - Cyber Attack on Fulton County Court (21:02) - - U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Trump Ballot Removal (33:00) - - Supreme Court Justices' Decision Making Process (36:28) - - Discussion on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment

The East Palestine derailment lawsuit in Ohio settles for $600 million, Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula are suing Peninsula Township, The American Bar Association President's letter to attorneys, and Parents of Michigan school shooter both sentenced to 10-15 years for involuntary manslaughter

California consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against luxury fashion brand Hermès over purchasing practices for the brand’s exclusive Birkin bag, Apple is currently grappling with a historic lawsuit issued by the Department of Justice, alleging that the tech giant has consciously tried to maintain a monopoly over the iPhone market, and Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, signs bill that bans children under 14 from having social media accounts.(00:00) - Intro (02:01) - Hermes Antitrust Lawsuit (16:37) - Apple Antitrust Lawsuit (28:18) - Florida Social Media Age Restriction (33:42) - Outro

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules adults younger than 21 cannot be sentenced to mandatory life without parole, New York judge rejects law firm fee petition for using ChatGPT to justify its costs, and Silicon Valley battles states over new online privacy & safety laws for children.(00:00) - Intro (01:50) - Massachusetts Mandatory Sentencing (10:20) - New York law firm uses ChatGPT to justify fees (20:42) - California online privacy & safety laws for children (34:54) - Outro Litigation Nation gives you an insider’s view to the legal system. Summarizing what you need to know about the current legal headlines. Subscribe to Litigation Nation wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/LNSubscribeFollow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/LitigationNationIGListen on your Favorite Podcasts Service:Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/AppleLNSpotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyLNYouTube: https://bit.ly/LNPYTGoogle Podcasts: https://bit.ly/LNGoogleIHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/LNIHeartAmazon Music & Audible: https://bit.ly/AmazonLNPandora: https://bit.ly/LNPandora

OceanGate CEO threatened to sue employees who raised Titan Submarine safety concerns, Johnson & Johnson sues researchers who linked talc to cancer, and A Federal Judge writes an opinion piece in the New York Times regarding the ethical problems plaguing the Supreme Court.

OpenAI Maker of ChatGPT hit with class action copyright lawsuit by Sarah Silverman as well as authors Christopher Golden and Richard Kadrey, A groundbreaking climate change trial by Montana residents bring climate change case to court for first time ever.

Artificial intelligence could impact law firms business model of billable hours, New York lawyers sanctioned for using fake ChatGPT cases in legal brief, Texas judge bans legal filings that rely on AI-generated content, law school admissions test developed by University of Arizona gets ABA approval, and predictions on what the future could hold for A.I. and the law.

Supreme Court Sides With Jack Daniels in Trademark Case & Federal Trade Commission Proposes Ban on Employment-Related Non-Compete Agreements With Labor & Employment Attorney, Jeff Glass. 

Explaining the debt ceiling, the history of the 14th Amendment, & Massachusetts lawsuit with merit argues the debt ceiling is unconstitutional.