Jury selection began on January 27 for the first “bellwether” trial of a blockbuster proceeding, involving thousands of cases going back to 2021. The suits allege that social media platforms’ negligent design causes depression, anxiety, and other mental health harms for young people. The trial marks the first time that social media companies will have to defend themselves before a jury against claims that they harmed children.

(Subscription required) A federal jury in Arizona awarded the $8.5 million on Thursday to Jaylynn Dean, who alleged her Uber driver raped her on a ride in 2023.

(Subscription required) Judge Elaine Lu found that the juror's use of a laptop spreadsheet -- and allegations he took notes home -- improperly introduced outside analysis into deliberations. The jury had been prepared to award $1.4 million to Start and $69,000 to CA Labs.

The Superior Court of Alameda County this week launched an expanded pretrial services program which means that people who have been charged, but not convicted of a crime, will be connected with caseworkers and direct links to social services.