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Judge hints jurors may see raw video of Michael Jackson’s last days

June 16, 2011

Los Angeles (CNN) — Raw video of Michael Jackson’s last days is not covered by laws protecting journalists from court subpoenas, making it likely that Sony will have to let lawyers use its video in their defense of Dr. Conrad Murray, a judge said Thursday.

Lawyers for Murray, who faces trial for involuntary manslaughter in the pop star’s death, argued that the unseen rehearsal video could show that Jackson was ill and physically weak.

Article: CNN

Nokia, Apple settle drawn-out patent dispute

HELSINKI, Finland — Nokia on Tuesday notched a valuable win against rival Apple, with the U.S. company agreeing to pay the Finnish handset maker a one-time sum to settle long-standing patent disputes as well as royalties for current licenses.

Espoo-based Nokia said that the deal “will result in settlement of all patent litigation between the companies, including the withdrawal by Nokia and Apple of their respective complaints to the US International Trade Commission.”

The companies have been locked in a long-running legal battle over patent claims, with each side accusing the other of infringing on patents that cover features such as swiping gestures on touch screens and the built-in “app store” for downloading updated programs.

Article: USA TODAY

Charges against Titans’ Kenny Britt downgraded in New Jersey

Titans WR Kenny Britt got some apparent relief from his numerous legal troubles Thursday.

A New Jersey judge downgraded charges of obstructing the administration of the law, resisting arrest and tampering with or fabricating evidence against Britt stemming from his June 8 arrest in Hoboken, N.J., where he was suspected to be in possession of a marijuana cigar at a car wash.

Britt will now face disorderly persons offenses in a municipal court June 23.

Britt pleaded guilty to motor vehicle violations last week subsequent to his April arrest on speeding charges in Bayonne, N.J. Britt also plans to soon deal with outstanding arrest warrants in Tennessee where police are investigating inaccurate information he provided on separate applications for a driver’s license.

Article: USA TODAY

Still no fines after a year of tarmac delay rule

The government’s threat to levy huge fines against airlines that hold passengers on the ground for hours has worked: Long tarmac delays are down dramatically since the rule went into effect a year ago

But delays haven’t disappeared. There have been 20 of three hours or more in the past year, Yet, no airlines have been fined. As the summer travel season picks up, analysts wonder if the lack of enforcement will let result in a return to long stays on the runway.

The DOT threatened fines as high as $27,500 per passenger against airlines that kept passengers stranded on runways for three hours or more. For a full Boeing 737, that would be a $3.5 million fine. The rule went into effect on April 29th of last year.

Article: USA TODAY