DOJ's Apple Antitrust Suit Gets New Judge After Recusal

$Apple(AAPL.US)$
The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) high-profile antitrust lawsuit against tech giant Apple has undergone a significant judicial shift. US District Judge Michael Farbiarz, initially assigned to the case, has stepped down, citing a potential conflict of interest. This development has led to the reassignment of the case to US District Judge Julien Neals of New Jersey, as reported by Reuters. 

Judge Farbiarz’s decision to recuse himself was driven by ethics rules that prevent judges from overseeing cases where they or their family members might have financial ties or other connections to the parties involved, per Reuters.  Although Farbiarz did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the potential conflict, his recusal was described as mandatory.

The case has now been transferred to Judge Neals, marking a pivotal moment in the DOJ’s efforts to challenge Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market. Both judges, appointed by President Joe Biden, share a background of public service, with Neals having served as a lawyer for New Jersey county government and Farbiarz as general counsel to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey before their respective appointments to the bench.