December 15, 2025

In a bold legal move, a lawyer has initiated a lawsuit against the IRS demanding recognition of pets as legal dependents, potentially altering tax benefits for pet owners nationwide. This case, highlighted by Forbes, delves into the complexities of tax laws and personal property, questioning where animals fit within this legal framework.
Meanwhile, the festive spirit isn't free from legal scrutiny as Legal Cheek humorously analyzes the myriad of laws Santa Claus would theoretically break during his global gift delivery route. From trespassing to violating airspace regulations, Santa’s jovial jaunt could be a legal nightmare.
In other legal news, the U.S. Supreme Court is setting precedents that could lead to major shifts in agency oversight concerning personal wealth, as noted by Reuters. This comes amidst debates on whether pets should be considered dependents, suggesting a potential reevaluation of what constitutes a dependent under U.S. law.
Adding to the high-profile legal battles, the National Trust has filed a lawsuit opposing former President Trump's plans to expand his ballroom properties, arguing preservation and land-use conflicts, reported by Law360.
The National Law Journal raises alarms about current trends in deregulation, likening them to conditions before the Great Depression. This regression in regulatory frameworks could spell economic peril, echoing concerns from SEC's Crenshaw about the market's stability.
A law professor has taken legal action against Boeing, claiming to have inhaled toxic fumes on a flight, which poses serious questions about air quality and safety standards in commercial aircraft. This case, covered by the ABA Journal, could have wider implications for airline industry regulations.
Lastly, NPR reports that Australia's new law banning children under 16 from using social media faces its first legal challenge. The law, intended to protect minors from the potentially harmful impacts of social media, is now under scrutiny for its implications on freedom of speech and digital rights.
These diverse legal battles underscore the dynamic and often surprising intersections of law, life, and policy affecting societies globally. Each case, whether focusing on festive traditions or the safety of air travel, pushes the envelope on how laws adapt to contemporary issues.