Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Rule 10b-5 Liability: The Supreme Court and 'Janus'

By Anthony Michael Sabino
April 01, 2023

This three-part series discusses the Second Circuit's recent Securities law landmark case, S.E.C. v. Rio Tinto. However, in order to discuss Rio Tinto, it is important to first understand the Supreme Court landmark cases upon which Rio Tinto is based: Janus Capital Group, Inc. v. First Derivative Trader and S.E.C v. Lorenzo. Janus is discussed here in the first installment.

As today's headlines swirl with lurid allegations of securities fraud, daily reports of investigations and indictments, and the pleas of swindled investors for justice (and, to be sure, pecuniary recompense), we are mindful that Rule 10b-5, long the ultimate weapon of prosecutors, regulators, and private litigants, subdivides offenses under the federal securities law into three, broad categories: employing a "scheme" to defraud; "mak[ing]" a material misrepresentation or omission; or engaging in "any act" which "operate[s] as a fraud or deceit." 17 C.F.R. §240.10b-5. See also, 15 U.S.C. §78(j).

For over eight decades, this triad of prohibitions has been eminently successful in achieving its twin objectives of punishing present-day wrongdoers and deterring future lawlessness, due in no small part to the obvious overlap between its operative provisos. Yet the inescapable irony is that this same convergence is sometimes misinterpreted, including by overzealous regulators who erroneously conflate Rule 10b-5's subcomponents.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
How Secure Is the AI System Your Law Firm Is Using? Image

In a profession where confidentiality is paramount, failing to address AI security concerns could have disastrous consequences. It is vital that law firms and those in related industries ask the right questions about AI security to protect their clients and their reputation.

COVID-19 and Lease Negotiations: Early Termination Provisions Image

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some tenants were able to negotiate termination agreements with their landlords. But even though a landlord may agree to terminate a lease to regain control of a defaulting tenant's space without costly and lengthy litigation, typically a defaulting tenant that otherwise has no contractual right to terminate its lease will be in a much weaker bargaining position with respect to the conditions for termination.

Pleading Importation: ITC Decisions Highlight Need for Adequate Evidentiary Support Image

The International Trade Commission is empowered to block the importation into the United States of products that infringe U.S. intellectual property rights, In the past, the ITC generally instituted investigations without questioning the importation allegations in the complaint, however in several recent cases, the ITC declined to institute an investigation as to certain proposed respondents due to inadequate pleading of importation.

The Power of Your Inner Circle: Turning Friends and Social Contacts Into Business Allies Image

Practical strategies to explore doing business with friends and social contacts in a way that respects relationships and maximizes opportunities.

Authentic Communications Today Increase Success for Value-Driven Clients Image

As the relationship between in-house and outside counsel continues to evolve, lawyers must continue to foster a client-first mindset, offer business-focused solutions, and embrace technology that helps deliver work faster and more efficiently.