TAKE A BREATH AFTER JOHNNY DEPP VERDICT

Here’s an excellent piece from the Atlantic cautioning everyone to take a breath after the verdict came down in the Johnny Depp Amber Heard trial.  As Dan Novack, the author explains, the First Amendment has not taken a big hit.  The fact is that in a closely contested case, with well-heeled lawyers on both sides, the jury rendered something of a split decision.  It ultimately found in favor of both parties, albeit more generously for Depp.

But the case really didn’t create new law nor does it seem likely that it will do so even if there is an appeal. So, the trial was a little like movie popcorn – fun while it lasted, but with little lasting effect.