Hard to Kill: The Transnational Survival of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

This month’s federal budget and policy legislation rescinded billions of dollars in clean energy and climate-related infrastructure investments and halted the progress of many projects already underway, including major tax incentive and grant programs focused on wind and solar energy, vehicle electrification, and domestic manufacturing. A subsequent executive order further cemented the federal government’s shift away from supporting climate-related investments.  Transformative levels of capital investment to implement climate solutions were urgently needed even with Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs–many of which funded locally-led investments centering public participation in the energy transition–in place.  The headwinds facing climate efforts in the U.S. call for innovative approaches to generating capital for climate-related infrastructure. With the bill’s elimination of many incentives for EVs, wind,…

ScotusCrim is a recurring series by Rory Little focusing on intersections between the Supreme Court and criminal law. Please note that the views of outside contributors do not reflect the official opinions of SCOTUSblog or its staff. Welcome to the second installment of ScotusCrim, a recurring column focused on criminal-law-and-related cases at the Supreme Court. Today I focus on juries and sentencing in criminal cases; and at the end I introduce a feature called “Out of My Lane” in which I hope to offer brief thoughts on non-criminal aspects of Supreme Court practice. The Sixth Amendment provides, without qualification, that “[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a … trial.” Article III similarly directs that “[t]he trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by jury.” As the only right guaranteed in both the body of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, this concept was…

  The Special Issue of the International Journal for the Semiotics of Law (Volume 38, Issue 6 – August 2025) is now online. Title: Semiotic Assemblage, Translanguaging and Translating Laws of the Middle East and North African Regions. The Special Issue is guest edited by Rafat Y. Alwazna, Zoe Hurley, Tariq Elyas.The issue is particularly relevant for those with an interest in the semiotics of translation--and transference--into and out of Arabic. Some of the articles are open access. The Editors, in their Introduction help frame the issues.  Problems of meaning, communication and interpretation intensify within the processes of translation. These issues are not entirely resolved by computer-assisted translation tools or machine translation systems due to the semiotic complexities of context. While the present paper does not propose to resolve the challenges of legal translations in the Middle East context, it has engaged with these linguistic, technological…

The SEC recently settled cherry-picking charges against a Minnesota investment adviser and its sole owner. North East Asset Management Group and its owner, Gregory Zandlo, settled the Commission’s claims without admitting or denying its findings. The SEC found that, through his firm, Mr. Zandlo shifted profitable trades to certain accounts from December 2020 through May 2022. Specifically, the SEC claimed the defendants were shifting profitable trades to accounts belonging to the firm, Mr. Zandlo, or people related to Mr. Zandlo (collectively, “Favored Accounts”). Mr. Zandlo allegedly used his discretionary authority over client trades to aggregate orders on behalf of multiple accounts, otherwise known as block trading. The defendants often placed multiple block orders for the same security on the same day. Key to the SEC’s claim is that Mr. Zandlo and his firm had the opportunity, through their third-party broker, to allocate the shares or sales of that…

If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. But what exactly can you recover in a legal claim? Understanding the categories of damages available under Illinois law is crucial when evaluating your case. In this blog, we will break down the types of damages available in Illinois personal injury lawsuits, provide legal references, and help you understand how courts calculate compensation. Categories of Damages in Illinois Personal Injury Cases In Illinois, personal injury damages are generally grouped into two main categories: Compensatory Damages Punitive Damages Compensatory damages are intended to make the injured party “whole” again – financially and emotionally. These are further subdivided into economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are awarded in rare cases to punish egregiously wrongful conduct and deter…

Divorce is never easy, especially when your livelihood depends on the demanding schedule of Texas’s oil industry. If you’re facing divorce while working in oil and gas, or if your spouse works in this field, you’re likely wondering how these unique employment circumstances will impact your child custody arrangements. As an experienced dallas divorce lawyer with over 25 years of practice, I understand the complexities these situations present and want to help you navigate this challenging time. The oil industry’s irregular schedules, extended rotations, and potential for relocation create distinct challenges in custody cases that require specialized legal expertise. Understanding how Texas courts view these employment patterns is crucial for protecting your parental rights and ensuring your children’s best interests remain the priority. Understanding Texas Oil Industry Work Schedules The oil and gas industry operates on schedules that differ…

Daryl Lim (Pennsylvania State U) has posted “Determinants of Socially Responsible AI Governance” (Duke Law & Technology Review | Vol. 25, No. 1, 2025) on SSRN. Here is the abstract: The signing of the first international AI treaty by the United States, European Union, and other nations marks a pivotal step in establishing a global framework for AI governance, ensuring that AI systems respect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This article advances the concepts of justice, equity, and the rule of law as yardsticks of socially responsible AI-from development through deployment-to ensure that AI technologies do not exacerbate existing inequalities but actively promote fairness and inclusivity. Part I explores AI’s potential to improve access to justice for marginalized communities and small and medium-sized law firms while scrutinizing AI-related risks judges, lawyers, and the communities they serve face. Part II examines the structural biases in…

Reporting (e.g., in the NY Times) on the settlement agreement between Columbia University and the United States government describes the $200 million that Columbia will pay to obtain restoration of its grant funding as a "fine." When I read that report, I was initially puzzled. None of the federal agencies whose leaders signed the agreement--the Departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services--is authorized by law to impose fines on institutions found to be in violation of Title VI. Yet the ostensible offense that led the Trump administration to cancel $400 million of federal funding and threaten to cut off billions more in the future was Columbia's alleged violation of Title VI by failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment. Congress could have authorized fines as penalties for Title VI violations, but it didn't. So what entitles the executive branch to impose fines via settlement?Reading the settlement agreement…

Taking your dog for a walk is a daily routine for many Chicagoans, offering both exercise and companionship. But what happens when another dog, unleashed, aggressive, or poorly controlled, attacks you or your pet during that walk? Unfortunately, dog attacks are not rare in Chicago and can result in serious injuries to both humans and animals. Understanding the causes of these attacks, your legal options, and how to protect yourself can make all the difference. Dog Attack Statistics in Chicago Dog bites and dog-on-dog attacks are more common than most people realize. According to the City of Chicago’s Animal Care and Control, there were over 1,500 dog bite incidents reported in 2023, with hundreds more likely going unreported. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and approximately 800,000 require medical attention. When it comes to pets being attacked, the American Veterinary…

Topic: Being a summer intern at big law bites.  No, this is not the expected expose on summer legal internships: "Hey, get me an iced, cafe latte with organic coconut milk and Indonesian beans in a plastic cup and re-scan the Penske file..."When dog bites man....yawn. When summer intern bites lawyers...legal blogs spring into action!A summer intern from Big Law Sidley Austin has been let go for repeatedly biting lawyers in the firm this summer.Yeah, that's not a sentence we ever thought we'd be writing (like "And then the judge said, 'dinner is on me' and grabbed the check.") Side note: How do the lawyers say their firm name with a straight-face? The firm's name sounds like a pre-school on the Upper East Side: "Sidley Austin, where Manhattan toddlers go for UES enrichment and fun since 1992."Pedestrianly named "The Big Law Biter" (Yawn) by the usual collection of legal blogs who have no…

When facing the difficult decision to end a marriage, most people focus on the emotional challenges ahead. However, understanding the full financial picture is crucial for making informed decisions and avoiding costly surprises. While attorney fees are the most obvious expense, numerous hidden costs can significantly impact your divorce budget. As a Dallas divorce lawyer with over 25 years of experience, I’ve helped countless clients navigate these financial complexities. This comprehensive guide will help you understand and prepare for the unexpected expenses that often accompany divorce proceedings in Texas. Understanding the True Cost of Divorce The average divorce in Texas costs between $15,000 and $25,000, but this figure can vary dramatically based on complexity, duration, and the specific circumstances of your case. What many people don’t realize is that legal fees typically represent only 40-60% of the total divorce-related expenses. The remaining costs come…

Signup to receive the Early Edition in your inbox here. A curated weekday guide to major news and developments over the past 24 hours. Here’s today’s news: ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR — AID SUPPLY CRISIS Over 800 aid trucks are waiting to be collected by agencies in Gaza, Israel said today, adding that 70 trucks were unloaded at aid crossings yesterday and over 150 were collected by the U.N. and aid organizations on the Gazan side. A further 10 people have died from malnutrition, the Hamas-run health ministry said yesterday, with the U.N. humanitarian agency, OCHA, warning yesterday “that the hunger crisis in Gaza has never been so dire … All too often, civilians approaching U.N. trucks are shot at.” Israel accuses OCHA of bias, with the Israeli ambassador to the U.N. saying this week there was “clear evidence of Hamas affiliations within OCHA’s ranks.” BBC News reports. ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR Israel is reviewing a revised…

We posted a pre-print of our article "New VSED Advance Directive: Improved Documentation to Avoid Late-Stage Dementia" that is forthcoming in Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics. We first developed and published a new advance directive directing VSED or MCF. with the Northwest Justice Project. This article explains the advantages of this new directive. The AD and the article build on our earlier VSED work in this OUP book.Here is the article's abstract:  People use advance directives to express preferences that direct their future care when they lack decision-making capacity. One form of advance directive, a "dementia directive," records preferences about living in various stages of dementia. This is important because many Americans want to avoid living with advanced progressive dementia. Unfortunately, traditional advance directives cannot dependably achieve this goal. In contrast, some dementia directives can achieve this goal, by…

Editor’s Note: The United States is no longer waiting to shape the future of artificial intelligence—it’s moving with purpose. On January 23, the White House unveiled America’s AI Action Plan, a sweeping national doctrine designed to secure U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence across economic, security, and diplomatic fronts. This is not a distant roadmap—it’s an operational mandate already in motion, with more than 90 policy actions aimed at deregulating innovation, fortifying digital infrastructure, and embedding American values into global AI standards. For cybersecurity professionals, the plan introduces aggressive measures to harden federal systems against AI-specific threats, mandate secure-by-design development, and establish a dedicated AI Information Sharing and Analysis Center (AI-ISAC). For those in information governance and eDiscovery, it signals new protocols for AI-generated content, a push for forensic benchmarks to…

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can suddenly alter everything.  Whether it occurs in an office accident, construction site fall, or car catastrophe, the results can be catastrophic. Along with emotional stress, victims often have a long road to recovery and escalating medical expenses. This is where a brain injury law firm becomes not just useful but also absolutely vital. The correct brain injury law firm can advocate for your rights, lighten your financial load, and provide you with a real opportunity to reconstruct your life. Understanding the Devastating Effects of Brain Injuries A TBI does not just call for quick emergency treatment in the aftermath.  Often years of therapy, rehabilitation, and daily life adjustments abound.  Many victims are unable to go back to any work at all or their former ones.  Expenses mount up, and sufferers and their families may easily feel overwhelmed and depressed.  Having a committed…

Dentons is honoured to be appointed by the Government of the Republic of Singapore to develop the model legal documents governing the international trading of carbon credits—an initiative enabled by Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.  Environment and Natural Resources, Energy Practice, Environment and Natural Resources, Private Equity Practice, Private Equity in Singapore, Energy in Singapore, ASEAN, Asia Pacific, Canada, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States

Dentons Hong Kong is delighted to announce that the firm has won six awards at the China Business Law Awards 2025, hosted by China Business Law Journal. Arbitration, Capital Markets, Corporate, Employment and Labor, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Mergers and Acquisitions, Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy, Arbitration, Capital Markets, Employment and Labour, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Mergers and Acquisitions, Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy, Hong Kong

Dentons Dublin has advised a syndicate of lenders including BNP Paribas on a €2.4 billion five-year sustainability-linked revolving credit facility (RCF) to ESB. Banking and Finance, Finance, Energy, Dublin