November 21, 2016

Bankruptcy Powers Do Not Override Congressionally Mandated Internet Confidentiality

Third party’s emails are immune from discovery in bankruptcy, Judge Sontchi rules.

3rd Circuit, Delaware

November 16, 2016

Mortgage Survives Chapter 13 Even Though the Secured Claim Was Disallowed

New York judge disagrees with Ninth Circuit on the effect of disallowance of a secured claim.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Northern District

November 16, 2016

Denial of Discharge for Violating Securities Laws Made Easier to Prove, Circuit Says

Sarbanes-Oxley nails securities fraudsters who file bankruptcy.

10th Circuit

November 15, 2016

Is There a Lien on Entireties Property from a Judgment Against Only One Spouse?

Eighth Circuit undertakes an arcane analysis of a question with little practical consequence.

8th Circuit

November 15, 2016

Sixth Circuit Bars Bankruptcy Courts from Enforcing Constitutional Rights in Chapter 9

Barring a city in chapter 9 from turning off the water violates Section 904, Sixth Circuit rules.

6th Circuit

November 14, 2016

State Consumer Protection Law Preempted by the Bankruptcy Code

Preemption easier to find than implied repeal, Chicago district judge says.

7th Circuit, Illinois, Illinois Northern District

November 14, 2016

Identity of Asbestos Claimants Disclosed Only to ‘Ferret Out’ Fraud

Even aggregate information about asbestos claims cannot be used for lobbying.

3rd Circuit, Delaware

November 10, 2016

Ninth Circuit Won’t Decide Whether BAPs Are ‘Established by an Act of Congress’

Cloud over constitutional authority of BAPs has been lifted, for now.

9th Circuit

November 07, 2016

Disallowing a Claim Worth $300 Saddled Creditor with $14,400 in Attorneys’ Fees

California’s fee-shifting law punishes an auto lender for filing a claim that was disallowed.

9th Circuit

November 02, 2016

Need for Multinational Corporate Insolvency Law Shown in China Fishery Decision

Judges must use patchwork approach when handling a huge, multinational debtor.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Southern District