A Fifth Circuit ruling that failed to enforce a roughly $123 million Moroccan judgment against haircare and liquor tycoon John Paul DeJoria harms trade relations between the U.S. and foreign nations. The authors, attorneys at Miles & Stockbridge, say foreign businesses may choose not to trade with American companies if they cannot reliably enforce valid foreign judgments in American courts. The U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide whether to review the decision.

The U.S. often touts the “rule of law” as its most important export. But a recent federal appellate decision reveals to foreign countries that America does not practice the principles it espouses.

Originally published by The Bureau of National Affairs - March 6, 2020.