Jacalyn Crecelius, J.D.
Jacalyn Crecelius, J.D., is a legal content writer, attorney, and mediator with experience practicing in the areas of healthcare, elections, family law, and federal employment/security clearance defense. Jacalyn received a BA in Psychology from Otterbein University, a J.D. from the University of Toledo College of law, and, most recently, an MA in Governance and Human Rights from Leuphana University in Lüneburg, Germany.
Article Update: PFAS Litigation Overview
PFAS chemicals, commonly used in consumer goods and industrial products, pose significant health risks and have led to extensive litigation involving water contamination, firefighter suits, and product-related claims seeking compensation for economic loss.
Posted in Featured & News
FTC and DOJ Jointly Bring First COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act Charges
April 15, 2021, marked the inaugural enforcement action under the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act (the Act). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch (CPB) requested relief for misleading marketing. Passed in December 2020, the Act deemed it unlawful to engage in deceptive practices relating to COVID-19 treatment or prevention. It
Posted on May 14, 2021 in COVID-19 & Litigation Monitor & News
State-Specific Expert Witness Admissibility Rules: What Attorneys and Experts Need to Know
An expert witness’s role is to break down complicated subjects so that triers of fact can make informed decisions. However, sometimes even the most reputable experts in a particular field are not necessarily the best ones for trial. For instance, when choosing an expert, unquantifiable characteristics such as honesty and likeability might be the deciding
Posted on May 24, 2021 in Finding & Selecting Experts & FRE, Daubert, & Frye & Resources for Experts
Amazon Drops Mandatory Arbitration Clause Following Thousands of Alexa Voice Recording Complaints
Amazon has recently dropped its mandatory arbitration clause for customer claims. The move comes after the company received thousands of complaints alleging its Alexa digital assistant illegally preserved voice recordings. Arbitration has long been the preferred conflict resolution method for corporations. But why has an influx in product complaints moved Amazon to such an about-face?
Posted on June 9, 2021 in Featured & Litigation Monitor & News
Peloton Shareholder Lawsuits Bring Corporate Duties into Question
Peloton Interactive, Inc. has had quite an eventful legal calendar this spring—with summer not looking any better. Since April 2021, the company has been on the wrong end of two shareholder class action suits. The suits showcase the range of security claims corporations may face in the wake of a crisis. These cases will also
Posted on June 18, 2021 in Featured & Litigation Monitor & News
Hyundai & Kia Engine Fires Class Action Reaches $1.3 Billion Settlement
On May 10, a $1.3 billion dollar settlement regarding certain Hyundai and Kia models received final approval.
Posted on June 25, 2021 in Featured & Litigation Monitor & News
Department of Justice Prioritizing COVID-19 Fraud Lawsuits
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has made it clear that COVID-19 related fraud is still a priority issue. The DOJ is presently targeting a large range of COVID-19 fraud litigation. Included targets are the Paycheck Protection Program, Unemployment Assistance, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and healthcare fraud. As of March 2021, the DOJ has criminally charged
Posted on July 8, 2021 in Featured & Litigation Monitor & News
TransUnion v. Ramirez: No Harm, No Foul
June 25, 2021, marked a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision, which struck a blow to consumers in a virtual world. Plaintiffs brought suit under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regarding the inaccuracy of TransUnion’s credit files. Though the FCRA codifies a private cause of action and statutory penalty for violators, actual harm must first
Posted on July 27, 2021 in Featured & Litigation Monitor & News
What Happens When Expert Testimonies Conflict?
If expert witnesses contradict each other on a legal matter at issue, should courts exclude their opinions? In a recent case, the ruling judge said no, stating that differing expert opinions are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Indeed, even if conflicting opinions are presented, expert testimonies should supplement each other. Once given, it is up to the jury to determine their significance.
Posted on August 10, 2021 in Featured & News & Working with Experts
Google Serves Microsoft Subpoena for Documents in Antitrust Lawsuit
In October 2020, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed suit against Google citing claims of anticompetitive behavior. The DOJ requested structural relief as well as an injunction for Google to stop its alleged antitrust violations.
Posted on August 24, 2021 in Featured & Litigation Monitor & News