Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Stone v. Williams Gen. Corp.

The trial court correctly charged the jury that the burden of proof on a RICO claim was a preponderance of the evidence.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

In Stone v. Williams General Corp. ,1 we reversed the trial court, concluding that it had erroneously charged the jury regarding the burden of proof for a civil RICO violation. Specifically, we found the appropriate standard to be “clear and convincing evidence.”2 The Supreme Court granted certiorari and reversed, finding that the appropriate standard is that of a “preponderance of the evidence.”3 Accordingly, we vacate Division 4 of our earlier opinion and adopt the judgment of the Supreme Court as our own. In reversing the trial court, we declined to address the appellants’ final enumerated error, finding it moot.4 In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, we now address this allegation of error: whether a RICO conspiracy can exist between a corporation and its officer.

The record shows that Williams General Corporation alleged that multiple defendants, including Thomas Stone and Stone Cold Concerts d/b/a Stone Cold Chemicals “Stone Cold” conspired to violate Georgia’s RICO statute. Following trial, the jury found only Stone and Stone Cold liable. The appellants contend, however, that there can be no conspiracy between Stone Cold, which can only act through an officer or agent, and Stone, because his actions are one and the same as the actions of Stone Cold. We agree.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
GlobeSt. Women of Influence (WOI) 2024
July 22, 2024 - July 24, 2024
Lake Tahoe, CA

GlobeSt. Women of Influence Conference celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward.


Learn More
New York Legal Awards 2024
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
African Legal Awards 2024
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Director of Legal Affairs

WittKieffer is proud to partner with Mom's Meals in the search for their Director of Legal Affairs. Mom's Meals is an investor-owned compan...


Apply Now ›
Trial Attorney Personal Injury.

Nutley Law firm concentrating in plaintiff's personal injury for plaintiff seeks an Attorney with three or more years of experience in New J...


Apply Now ›
MID-SENIOR LEVEL EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATE OR PARTNER WANTED FOR BOUTIQUE FIRM OPPORTUNITY TO INHERIT AND GROW PRACTICE (Atlanta, GA)

Our client, an outstanding boutique litigation firm based in Atlanta, is seeking to add an experienced Employment Litigation Attorney to the...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Lawyers of Distinction
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
SMGQ Law
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements