Boeing’s Potential Settlement Sparks Debate Over Justice
The Department of Justice is considering a new approach to dealing with Boeing’s alleged misconduct following the catastrophic crashes of two 737 Max jets. These incidents, which occurred in 2018 and 2019, resulted in the tragic loss of 346 lives. As discussions continue, the DOJ might opt for a non-criminal settlement, creating a victims’ fund of $444.5 million, rather than pursuing criminal charges against the aerospace giant.
Boeing had previously agreed to plead guilty to defrauding regulators, but this plea was rejected by a federal judge. Now, a potential non-criminal agreement is on the table, raising concerns among the families of the crash victims. They have expressed strong opposition to this plan, which they perceive as allowing Boeing to evade accountability.
“This isn’t justice,” stated Erin Applebaum, an attorney from Kreindler & Kreindler. “It’s a backroom deal dressed up as a legal proceeding, and it sends a dangerous message: in America, the rich and powerful can buy their way out of accountability.”
While the Justice Department and Boeing have declined to comment further, the proposed settlement has ignited a fierce legal battle. Lawyers representing the victims’ families are preparing to challenge the agreement in court, arguing that it undermines the gravity of Boeing’s alleged actions.
The original plea agreement between Boeing and the DOJ involved Boeing’s admission to a conspiracy to defraud regulators concerning the safety of its aircraft. However, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in Texas opposed the terms, advocating for a more significant judicial role in overseeing the case.
Paul Cassell, a law professor at the University of Utah and former federal judge representing the victims’ families pro bono, expressed hope that the DOJ leadership would reject the proposed settlement. “We hope that this bizarre plan will be rejected by the leadership of the Department,” Cassell stated. He emphasized the need for justice, asserting that dismissing the case “would dishonor the memories of 346 victims, who Boeing killed through its callous lies.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case remains uncertain, with significant implications for corporate accountability and justice for the victims’ families.
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This article was originally written by www.npr.org
