Wal-Mart ordered to pay $78 million for denying employees rest breaks News
Wal-Mart ordered to pay $78 million for denying employees rest breaks

[JURIST] A Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas [official website] jury issued a $78.47 million verdict against retailer Wal-Mart [corporate website; JURIST news archive] Friday, awarding damages to plaintiffs on behalf of current and former Pennsylvania employees for work during rest breaks and off-the-clock labor. Wal-Mart prevailed on a third count which alleged that the company had denied meal breaks to the plaintiffs. Wal-Mart attorney Neal Manne [profile] said Wal-Mart will appeal the verdict, but has not provided any details regarding the grounds for appeal.

Observers have suggested that Wal-Mart may have to reconsider its defense strategy in similar future actions in the wake of this judgment as well as last year's $172 million damage award against the company [Jenner & Block client advisory] in a California employment suit. Wal-Mart's current strategy is to answer such complaints with denials that it engages in the alleged wrongful practice. Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Susan B. Anthony voted illegally in a US federal election

On November 5, 1872, women's rights advocate Susan B. Anthony illegally cast her vote in a New York Congressional district election. Read the indictment subsequently brought against her and the transcript of her address to the jury. Anthony was fined $100 after a directed verdict.

Saddam Hussein sentenced to death

On November 5, 2006, the former President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by hanging for crimes against humanity during his time in office. The execution took place on the following December 30. Learn more about the trial of Saddam Hussein from the U.S. Library of Congress.