Most Musical Verdict: Federal Judge Hands Katy Perry Big Win, Overturning 'Dark Horse' Verdict
A federal judge reversed a copyright infringement verdict against Katy Perry, ruling an eight-note musical phrase known as an ostinato “was not original enough to warrant copyright protection,” according to an article from Variety. Perry was sued for allegedly infringing on “Joyful Noise” from Christian rapper Flame. Last July a jury awarded $2.8 million to Flame, who could now decide to appeal the vacated ruling and send the case to the 9th Circuit.
Most Deadly Verdict: Jury Finds Girlfriend Guilty for Aiding in the Torture, Murder of Young Men
A Washington jury found Lendsay Meza guilty for her role in helping her boyfriend torture and murder Ezekiel Kelly and Mohamed Adan, according to an article from the HeraldNet. Meza is the third person convicted in connection with the slayings, as Anthony Hernandez-Cano and his friend Hassani Hassani are serving a life sentence and 35 years in prison, respectively, for their roles. According to the article, Meza testified she was an unwilling participant in the murder, although each of the victims were at some point held in her car and her DNA was found on jumper cables used to tie up the victims. Prosecutors said willingness aside, her part in covering up the killings was criminal.
Most Expressive Verdict: Man Pulled Over After 'Flipping Off' Cop Wins in Federal Court
A verdict favoring a police lieutenant who was “flipped off” by Brian H. Clark, of Virginia, was overturned in federal court. That's according to an article from Courthouse News. Clark said he was illegally pulled over after giving Patrick County Lieutenant Rob Coleman the middle finger while driving past him in his car. A jury initially sided with the lieutenant, however, upon appeal the stop was deemed an unconstitutional search as there was no evidence of wrongdoing. Clark won $1 in addition to court fees.
Most Environmental Verdict: Judge Signs Off on BP, Government Settlement After Pollution Allegations
A federal judge approved a $2.6 million settlement agreement between BP and government agencies over allegations of pollution and reporting violations, according to an article from The Blade. BP will pay $200,000 to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency with the rest going to the federal government. “As part of the settlement, the BP companies agreed to compliance with rules for monitoring and reporting pollution going forward, along with managing the lead-abatement campaign,” according to the article.
Most Infamous Verdict: Weinstein Sentenced to 23 Years Behind Bars, Plans Appeal
Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to serve 23 years in prison for committing sex crimes, according to an article from ABC News. The conviction from New York includes a 20-year sentence for "criminal sexual assault in the first degree" based on accusations from Mimi Haley, a production assistant on "Project Runway." Weinstein was also sentenced to three years for "rape in the third degree" stemming from charges related to an encounter with Jessica Mann. Weinstein is planning an appeal.