In the legal showdown between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), anticipation reaches a fever pitch as the community awaits a ruling. The SEC filed its lawsuit against Ripple Labs and its executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen 931 days ago, igniting a high-stakes legal battle. However, since the release of the Hinman documents on June 13, there has been an unsettling silence.
Recently, attorney John E Deaton, representing 75,000 XRP holders as amicus curiae, took to Twitter to shed light on the prolonged timeline and dispel speculations surrounding the case. Deaton’s enlightening Twitter thread reveals a surprising aspect of the Ripple vs. SEC case: the astonishingly long duration for a ruling to be made.
Deaton highlights that the reply briefs for summary judgment were filed in December 2022, leaving Judge Torres with an astounding seven months of deliberation. Nevertheless, he urges caution and reminds everyone that similar delays have occurred in other cases before Judge Torres.
Referring to the Thor Equities case, where reply briefs were also filed in December, Deaton emphasizes that Judge Torres has yet to issue a ruling. Additionally, he mentions the N.Y. District Carpenter’s fund case, which took over eight months, and the Quiller Inc. vs. U.S.A. case, which took a whopping seven months for Judge Torres’ decision. Several other cases, such as the Fitzgerald case, also took a significant six months for a ruling.
While the prolonged waiting period has sparked frustration and speculation within the crypto community, Deaton advises against conspiracy theories. He assures the XRP holders that Judge Torres comprehends the weight and significance of her decision.
Given the magnitude of this case and its potential impact on the crypto landscape, careful consideration and thorough examination are paramount. Legal proceedings can be intricate, especially when high stakes and far-reaching consequences are involved. The Ripple vs. SEC case is no exception.
In a recent Twitter response, Deaton provided further insights into the case, shedding light on the status of Ripple’s XRP escrow accounts and the potential penalties the company may face. Contrary to suggestions of permanent locking, Deaton clarifies that the SEC’s primary objective is a significant financial penalty of $1.3 billion and a permanent injunction.
Deaton also highlights the possibility of a penalty phase if Ripple loses, which could involve fines, disgorgement of profits, and an injunction against future violations. However, the fate of Ripple’s escrow accounts is likely to remain intact unless a settlement is reached after Judge Torres’ ruling.
As of press time, XRP is valued at $0.4770, and the crypto community eagerly awaits Judge Torres’ ruling that could shape the future of Ripple and the wider crypto landscape.
