SEC v Ripple: Case takes this turn after dispute over expert testimony
The authorized battle between SEC and Ripple Labs continues to put on on after the newest developments. Final week, the SEC utilized for an omnibus movement to exclude (or restrict) knowledgeable testimony. The Ripple staff accepted the movement and filed a counter-motion as nicely.
A authorized cul-de-sac
What regarded like a simple counter has now was a brawl. On 10 July, the Ripple legal professionals filed a movement to hunt an expedited briefing on SEC’s “excessive place.” The courtroom doc says that is the SEC’s try to hide the id of consultants and criticism of studies from public view.
Alternatively, the Ripple authorized staff believes that it’s “Egregious” for the SEC to suppress “Public criticisms of its consultants’ opinions,” given that almost all info within the studies shall be concerning Ripple itself. The doc claims that the SEC is abusing the Protecting Order to forestall criticism of its consultants from being public.
The SEC has now filed its response to Ripple’s request for an expedited briefing concerning the disputed SEC sealing requests. Of their response, the SEC lays no objection to Ripple’s briefing schedule.
Moreover, SEC intends to guard the consultants from harassment and different threats. Earlier, one of many knowledgeable’s identities was revealed which precipitated security threats since his title was publicized by amici. By and enormous, the SEC desires to seal knowledgeable testimony within the title of a “greater worth” of defending witness security.
That being mentioned, the courtroom doc acknowledged,
“If the courtroom has not dominated on the SEC’s pending functions earlier than 22 July (the proposed deadline for the events’ motions to seal), the SEC intends to maneuver to provisionally seal Defendants’ movement referring to the Skilled as nicely the names and figuring out info of the SEC’s different consultants.”
Greener pastures forward?
Whereas this authorized battle drags on, the SEC is up for an important assembly in the direction of the top of the month. Ron Hammond, Director of Authorities Relations at Blockchain Affiliation, tweeted in regards to the assembly lately.
This week in Congress and crypto: Congress approaches a tricky 3 week summer season stretch to deal with numerous urgent points. Whereas crypto is on no account prime of thoughts for Members proper now, it can nonetheless be a busy month. Hearings, payments, and what else to count on this month from Congress
— Ron Hammond (@RonwHammond) July 11, 2022
He referred to as it the “most high-profile” listening to for the business this month because it focuses on SEC’s Division of Enforcement. Hammond mentioned that there are nonetheless numerous subjects to be mentioned. These embody pending crypto payments, SEC/CFTC jurisdiction, stablecoins, safety legal guidelines, and tax readability as nicely.
