Verdict . News

Regulatory

•CFTC Chairman Michael Selig and SEC Chairman Paul Atkins will hold joint event Jan. 29 to discuss crypto regulatory harmonization

CFTC and SEC Chiefs to Hold Joint Event on Crypto Regulatory Harmony

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission have rescheduled a joint public event for Jan. 29, 2026, where chairmen will discuss regulatory harmonization efforts aimed at making the United States the crypto capital of the world. The event signals a new approach to breaking down traditional jurisdictional barriers in cryptocurrency oversight.

•Event aims to support President Trump's goal of making the US the crypto capital of the world

Legal News

•New York roofing contractor reached settlement with DOL over willful safety violations

NY Roofing Contractor Settles with DOL Over 2021 Fatal Fall

A New York roofing contractor has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor after willfully failing to protect a worker who died in a fall accident in 2021. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the incident and determined the contractor's safety violations were willful.

•Worker died in preventable fall accident in 2021 due to lack of required protection

•Colorado Supreme Court delivered mixed ruling, affirming some aspects while reversing others of the lower water court's decision

Colorado Supreme Court Issues Split Water Rights Ruling in Byers Peak Case

The Colorado Supreme Court delivered a mixed decision on January 26, 2026, in a complex water rights dispute involving multiple LLCs near Byers Peak, affirming parts of the lower water court's ruling while reversing others.

•Case involved multiple LLCs including Byers Peak Properties, Colorado Adventure Park, and Byers Peak Land & Cattle in water rights dispute

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Federal Circuit

Jan 26, 2026•5 min read

6th Circuit Rules on Class Action Against Kentucky County Attorneys

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a published opinion in John Doe v. John Burlew, a class action lawsuit against Kentucky county attorneys in their official capacities. The case involves cross-appeals challenging aspects of a district court ruling.

•Sixth Circuit issued published opinion in class action against Kentucky county attorneys

•Case involves constitutional challenges and cross-appeals by both parties

•Colorado Supreme Court granted certiorari to review harmless error analysis standards in juvenile case A.T.S.

Colorado Supreme Court to Review Harmless Error Standards in Juvenile Case

The Colorado Supreme Court has granted certiorari in a juvenile case to examine whether lower courts properly applied harmless error analysis when evaluating improper testimony. The case will address fundamental questions about judicial standards for weighing evidence in determining if procedural errors affected trial outcomes.

•Court will examine whether Court of Appeals incorrectly applied Arteaga-Lansaw factors by considering "persuasive force" of improper testimony

•Colorado Supreme Court denied certiorari petition on January 26, 2026, ending appeals

Colorado Supreme Court Denies Review in Municipal Bond Dispute

The Colorado Supreme Court denied a petition for writ of certiorari in a case involving Colorado Bondshares and UMB Bank against Marin Metropolitan District. The denial lets stand a lower court ruling in the municipal finance dispute.

•Case involved tax-exempt municipal bonds and quasi-municipal corporation disputes

Federal Circuit

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

6th Circuit Upholds 60-Month Sentence for $1.2M Fraud Scheme

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has affirmed the conviction and 60-month prison sentence of Karl Hampton, who was found guilty of orchestrating a fraud scheme that cost victims over $1.2 million. Hampton was convicted on 12 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

•Hampton convicted on 12 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering

•Scheme involved spending over $1.2 million of other people's money over multiple years

•Colorado Supreme Court delivered mixed ruling in utility company dispute with landscaping firm

Colorado Supreme Court Issues Split Ruling in Xcel Energy Case

The Colorado Supreme Court delivered a mixed decision on January 26, 2026, in a dispute between utility company Xcel Energy and Outdoor Design Landscaping LLC, affirming parts of the lower court's judgment while vacating other portions.

•Five-justice en banc decision affirmed parts of lower court judgment while vacating others

•Colorado Supreme Court reversed appeals court in 4-2 split decision regarding involuntary intoxication defense

Colorado Supreme Court Reverses Involuntary Intoxication Defense Ruling

The Colorado Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision in The People of the State of Colorado v. Isaac U. Mion, addressing standards for involuntary intoxication defenses when defendants claim unknown substances caused criminal behavior.

•Defendant claimed 'unknown substance' in marijuana joint caused criminal behavior including aggravated robbery and menacing