There are many legal news stories happening all over the country, and it’s our job to keep you in the know about these cases. Here are some of the biggest news stories of the week.

Tech giants concerned SCOTUS cases may cause problems on the internet

Major tech companies are apprehensive that a case before the Supreme Court of the United States could have an adverse effect on the internet. The case concerns the legal immunity given to internet service providers under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. 

It enables platforms to moderate user-generated content without being held liable for it. Tech giants, however, believe that the outcome of this case could cause considerable disruption to the way the internet functions, creating chaos in the realm of user-generated content moderation.

Some social media platforms may choose to implement more stringent content moderation policies to avoid potential legal issues, but this move could undermine freedom of speech and stifle discussions on the internet. Moreover, if platforms decide to adopt more rigorous moderation practices, they could face opposition from their users who might perceive it as censorship.

The Supreme Court’s decision, in this case, has far-reaching implications for internet service providers and online content moderation. If the Court decides to revoke Section 230 immunity, it could cause significant changes in the way online platforms operate. 

Shapiro administration under fire after accepting Super Bowl tickets from a group that gets state money

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, along with a few employees, had attended the Super Bowl after being gifted tickets from a non-profit organization that received money from the state. However, a policy that was instituted in January provides that the Governor and his top staff aren’t allowed to accept any tickets to recreational events such as football games.

The Shapiro administration’s spokesperson nevertheless insisted that Gov. Shapiro and his staff did not violate the gift ban, stating that the group that provided the tickets—called Team Pennsylvania—has a long history of working with the state and is not comparable to a private organization. In addition, the group’s president stated that her organization isn’t covered by the gift ban as it isn’t a recommended policy.

Upon assuming office, Governor Shapiro issued an executive order that outlines the types of presents that he and his staff are prohibited from receiving, as well as the individuals from whom such gifts cannot be accepted. However, the order neither specifies the penalties for noncompliance nor does it identify the individual or entity responsible for overseeing staff and officials to ensure compliance with the policy.

You can read more about this story here.

Pennsylvania SC to hear out an appeal in royalty dispute case

The PennEnergy Resources, LLC’s appeal in the Dressler Family, LP v. PennEnergy Resources, LLC case has been accepted by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (SC). The court’s examination of this disagreement over royalty payments may have significant implications for landowners throughout Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania SC has outlined 4 issues to be addressed in the Dressler Family, LP appeal. These include whether the SC’s decision violated established principles by failing to apply key lease terms, whether the lease allows for post-production cost deductions, whether the decision conflicts with other courts, and whether the contract was interpreted reasonably.

In oil and gas royalty disputes, drillers often use arguments similar to the 4 issues identified by the Pennsylvania SC in the Dressler Family, LP appeal. They frequently cite Kilmer v. Elexco Land Services, Inc. as a justification for deducting post-production costs, regardless of the language in the underlying lease. However, this reliance was by the SC on the grounds that Kilmer’s discussion on deductions is limited and flawed.

You can read this story in more detail here.

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