On June 27, 2024, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Securities Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy. The Court held that the Seventh Amendment entitles a defendant to a jury trial when the SEC seeks civil penalties for securities fraud, because these cases replicate common law fraud claims. S.E.C. v. Jarkesy, No. 22-859, slip op. at … Continue Reading
Under a new safe harbor policy announced by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on October 4, 2023, an acquiring company that discloses potential wrongdoing at a company being acquired within six months of the deal closing date—and fully cooperates and fixes the underlying problems within a year of closing—can presume it will not be criminally … Continue Reading
Earlier this year, we previewed two significant False Claims Act (FCA) cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, United States ex. rel. Schutte v. SuperValu, Inc., No. 21-1326 (“SuperValu”), and United States ex. Rel. Proctor v. Safeway, Inc., No. 22-111 (“Safeway”). The FCA provides that “any person who knowingly presents, or causes to be presented, a … Continue Reading
The Supreme Court recently heard oral argument in the appeal of two False Claims Act (FCA) cases from the Seventh Circuit that called into question the level of intent, or scienter, required to establish corporate liability under the FCA for “knowingly” overbilling the government for goods or services. The Court’s eventual decision may have widespread … Continue Reading
On January 17, 2023, Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division (“AAG”) Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. announced significant revisions to the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, corporate criminal enforcement policy (“CEP”).[1] The new CEP changes offer additional incentives to companies for voluntary self-disclosures, cooperation, and remediation. The new CEP reflects an increased emphasis on … Continue Reading