Legal News for Fri 10/18 - Jones Day 'Dad Leave' Lawsuit, US Battleground States Warn Officials on Interference, DeSantis Admin Runs Afoul of First Amendment

Minimum Competence

This Day in Legal History: BBC Founded

On October 18, 1922, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) was founded, a significant development in media law and broadcasting regulation. The BBC was established as a private corporation, but it was under significant government oversight from the start. The British government, through the Post Office, issued the first broadcasting license to the BBC, marking the beginning of public broadcasting in the United Kingdom. This laid the foundation for legal frameworks governing media, free speech, and public interest in broadcasting.

The regulatory framework for the BBC was formalized with the 1927 Royal Charter, establishing it as a public corporation funded by a license fee paid by UK households with a television set. This model influenced media law around the world, as it balanced government oversight with editorial independence, a crucial tension in media law. The Charter also emphasized the BBC's duty to inform, educate, and entertain, principles that have been reflected in subsequent legal debates about public broadcasting globally.

This founding event has had lasting effects on how media is regulated, ensuring that broadcasters serve the public interest while maintaining freedom from government control. The creation of the BBC contributed to the evolution of modern media law, particularly in areas concerning state influence, media independence, and the regulation of public broadcasters.

A lawsuit by former Jones Day associates Mark Savignac and Julia Sheketoff, accusing the firm of gender discrimination in its parental leave policy, is set for trial on November 7, 2025. The couple claims that the firm’s policy unfairly grants new mothers extra leave based on an assumed eight-week postpartum disability period, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the D.C. Human Rights Act. The court ruled that a jury could question the medical basis of the policy, warranting a trial.

Before the trial, the parties are required to attempt mediation with Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey, though Jones Day expressed skepticism about reaching a settlement. The lawsuit also involves claims of retaliation, as Savignac alleges he was fired after challenging the policy, while Sheketoff had already left the firm. Both represent themselves in the case.

Jones Day 'Dad Leave' Case Headed to Mediation, Gets Trial Date

Ahead of the November 5, 2024, U.S. election, several battleground states are warning local officials that interfering with voting or delaying result certification could lead to criminal charges or financial penalties. States such as Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have investigated and charged officials who attempted to disrupt elections in previous cycles. Pennsylvania officials, for example, threatened criminal misdemeanor charges against a local county manager who blocked the use of mail-in ballot drop boxes. In Arizona, two officials are facing felony charges for delaying vote certification in 2022.

The focus on preventing election interference is driven by concerns over unfounded fraud claims and ensuring that the results are certified on time. States have tightened oversight, with penalties including fines, jail time, or responsibility for recount costs. Local officials have been reminded that the certification process is a legal requirement, not an opportunity to challenge election outcomes.

US states warn officials: Delaying, tampering with vote could bring criminal charges | Reuters

A Florida judge issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the DeSantis administration from threatening to prosecute TV stations airing ads in support of the state's abortion rights referendum. The ads, promoted by the coalition Floridians Protecting Freedom, advocate for the November ballot amendment that would secure abortion access until fetal viability (around 24-28 weeks), countering Florida’s six-week ban enacted earlier this year. The state's Department of Health had previously sent cease-and-desist letters to TV stations, claiming the ads were false. The judge ruled that political advertisements are protected by the First Amendment, preventing further state actions against broadcasters until a preliminary injunction hearing on October 29.

Florida judge grants temporary restraining order over abortion measure ads

This week’s closing theme is by Franz Liszt.

This week, we close with the music of one of history’s most legendary composers and pianists, who passed away on October 19, 1886. Liszt was not only a virtuoso performer but also a revolutionary composer whose works pushed the boundaries of classical music. Born in Hungary, Liszt dazzled 19th-century Europe with his unmatched piano skills, and his compositions remain staples in the concert repertoire to this day. He pioneered new musical forms, including the symphonic poem, and was deeply influenced by both Hungarian folk music and the Romantic spirit of the time.

Liszt's compositions span a wide range of emotions and technical demands, showcasing both his artistic depth and virtuosity. As a composer, he sought to transcend traditional boundaries, and his works often reflect a blend of dazzling technical skill and deep emotional complexity. Among his most celebrated compositions is the "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2," which we’ve chosen as our closing theme this week.

This piece is iconic for its vibrant energy, dramatic shifts, and a playful yet powerful use of Hungarian folk melodies. From the slow, brooding introduction to its whirlwind conclusion, it perfectly encapsulates Liszt’s ability to captivate both performers and audiences. As we listen to this work, we remember the profound legacy Liszt left behind, a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

Without further ado, Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, enjoy.

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