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Last month, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a massive lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of anti-competitive business practices. Expected to be a lengthy courtroom battle spanning several years, the case has been reassigned to a new judge. US District Judge Julien Xavier Neals will preside over the case, a court filing has revealed. It was originally assigned to Judge Michael E. Farbiarz.
A new judge will preside over the DOJ’s lawsuit against Apple
According to a new court filing on Wednesday, April 10, Farbiarz’s recusal in the DOJ’s blockbuster lawsuit against Apple was necessary under the Code of Conduct for United States Judges. His “disqualification is mandatory and cannot be remitted by the parties,” an official order by Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb states. As such, Neals will preside over this case and all related cases in the future.
The order doesn’t precisely explain why Farbiarz is ineligible to oversee the case. His recusal also seems to have come without any request from either party, Apple or the DOJ. However, the specific rule of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges mentioned in the filing — Canon 3(C)(1)(d) — a judge would be disqualified from overseeing a case if their “impartiality might reasonably be questioned.”
This suggests either Farbiarz or someone he is related to, like a family member, has a close connection or financial tie with this case. Neals seemingly has no potential conflict of interest over the matter. As such, he replaces Farbiarz as the judge of this blockbuster case. As Reuters noted, US President Joe Biden nominated both judges to the US District Court. Neals has served since 2021, while Farbiarz has served since last year.
The hearing will take place from a US District Court in New Jersey
Filed on March 21, the DOJ’s blockbuster lawsuit against Apple targets many products and services. The government agency has pointed out flaws in almost every business the company does. The complaint highlights anti-competitive business practices everywhere, from iPhones and Apple Watches to CarPlay, digital keys, and more. It also blames Apple for the failures of Amazon Fire Phone and Microsoft Windows Phone.
Unsurprisingly, Apple disagrees. It said the lawsuit is “wrong on the facts and the law” and threatens the principles that set its products apart in fiercely competitive markets. The company added that the lawsuit could affect its ability to create the kind of technology it offers to consumers. This case has all the ingredients to become a lengthy courtroom battle. The hearing will take place from a US District Court in New Jersey.