An affidavit to remember

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In August 2009, boutique international law firm ShawnCoulson settled a $2.2 million fee dispute in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with former client PowerTrain Inc. Late last year, the Mississippi-based engine parts importer moved to reopen the case, seeking sanctions for an allegedly false affidavit filed in the case.

Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi / NLJ

Will alien tort case be next Citizens United?

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The next Citizens United, in the view of some of that decision's most vigorous critics, may have nothing to do with campaign finance or the First Amendment. Instead, corporations in a case the justices will hear this month seek not to spend their money but to avoid doing so by arguing that they have no liability under a 1789 statute for torts committed abroad in violation of international law or U.S. treaties.

GOP senators berate new consumer financial protection chief over his recess appointment

For two hours, Republicans pounded home their objections to Cordray's Jan. 4 recess appointment by President Barack Obama while the Senate was in pro forma recess.

Figuring out what a bank robber knows

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For his use of the machine gun during a months long crime spree in 2004, Bryan Burwell received an additional 30 years behind bars. A provision in federal law sets out a mandatory 30-year term for any person who uses an automatic weapon during a robbery. But questions remain.

INADMISSIBLE

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A high Overton ceiling; deja vu all over again for Holder; new lobbyist at the White House Project; DENSO and Yazaki on the hook; Lamberth the labyrinth guide; King & Spalding partner to run for West Virginia attorney general; and a writing award for an internal memo in this week's column.