From Metaphor to Reality? NCAA Athletes Might Become Your Favorite College’s New Employees

“Being a college athlete is like a full-time job.” This may soon become reality as the court case Johnson v. NCAA challenges student athletes’ amateur status. With arguments centered on the NCAA’s control and the athletes’ economic realities, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals will decide if they qualify as employees entitled to minimum wage. The outcome could significantly impact college sports and athlete compensation. Discover how this case might reshape the collegiate athletic experience.

Seventh Circuit Releases Two New Personal Jurisdiction Cases

The Seventh Circuit clarified Illinois personal jurisdiction over non-residents. In Sheehan, jurisdiction was denied where defendants’ actions occurred entirely outside Illinois. In NBC Properties, jurisdiction was upheld over a Chinese retailer that purposefully sold and shipped products to Illinois. Key factors are purposeful availment, connection to the claim, and fairness under due process.

Seventh Circuit Gets Specific about Non-Specific Defect Theory

In *Bensenberg v. FCA US LLC*, the Seventh Circuit clarified standards for proving manufacturing defects in product liability claims. Following an accident where the front airbag failed to deploy, the court ruled that plaintiffs could use a non-specific defect theory to infer a defect without identifying a specific flaw. This decision reflects the changing landscape of product liability law in Illinois, indicating that expert testimony may not always be required. Discover the potential implications of this ruling for future cases and consumer expectations.