Spring 2022 | Reforms and Implications

Media & Communications

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act: Potential Reforms and Implications

Seth A. Stern

Section 230 largely immunizes providers of interactive computer services from liability for third-party content. Proposed bipartisan reforms would have significant implications for social media and the internet.

Federal Government

Importing and Exporting CBD Products, Hemp Products, and Drug Paraphernalia

James Hurst

Recent changes to the Controlled Substances Act have opened the possibility of importing and exporting hemp products and items that previously would have been considered drug paraphernalia.

Environment

PFAS: The Impact of Forever Chemicals

Kyle P. Konwinski and Olayinka Ope

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are manufactured chemicals that have left a lasting impact on our planet as well as on court dockets, environmental laws, and the insurance coverage industry.

Insurance

Duty to Defend Disparagement in Luna and Sprint Lumber

David A. Gauntlett and Diane Bucci

Two recent cases illustrate the different results that are possible in determining when an insurer has a duty to defend a lawsuit related to the Coverage B disparagement offense.

Trade Secrets

Injunction, Declaratory Judgment, or Damages: Accomplishing the Client Objective

Thomas E. Patterson and Michael D. Haeberle

Practitioners can often better serve their clients by thinking strategically about the advantages and disadvantages to pursuing injunctive relief, declaratory judgment, and/or damages.

Deposition

Tips for Conducting Virtual Depositions

Eric T. Boron

To ensure a successful virtual deposition, be prepared, take control from the start, establish ground rules, and be alert to indications of witness coaching.

Litigation & Trials

Litigation and Trial Practice Committee

John P. Browning

This TIPS committee’s role is to examine techniques, tactics, stratagems, and methods used at all stages of litigation, from initial pleadings through post-judgment motions.

Tort

Editorial Board Member: Timothy M. Thornton Jr.

A member of The Brief editorial board shares his thoughts on the value of TIPS involvement, mentorship, and publication opportunities.

Tort

Spring 2022 Update on the Latest Programs and Events in Your Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section

TIPS recaps recent live conferences, including the Section Conference, and congratulates the recipients of the Liberty Achievement Award and Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award.