Social Media on Trial: Unpacking the Landmark 2026 Decisions

In the span of 24 hours in March 2026, juries returned historic verdicts against Meta in both New Mexico and Los Angeles, reshaping what platform liability looks like in practice. Eric Goldman (Santa Clara University School of Law), Jess Miers (University of Akron School of Law), and Jeremy Rosenthal (Texas Defense Firm) break down what these decisions mean for practitioners, covering the product defect theories that circumvented Section 230, what plaintiffs must prove, the pending cases to watch, the science behind the addiction framing, and the criminal defense implications for attorneys advising clients today. Participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving legal landscape around social media liability and practical tools for advising clients in this rapidly developing area.Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.