Ripple-SEC Lawsuit: This Might Be the Biggest Decision for XRP per John Deaton

According to Cryptolaw founder John Deaton, Judge Sarah Netburn's decision on an SEC motion for reconsideration might be the ''biggest decision'' for XRP in the Ripple case. The 63 emails comprising drafts and comments about Director Hinman's lecture on ETH not being a security are the subject of the reconsideration motion.

Judge Netburn's decision on the motion for reconsideration will be the biggest decision in the @Ripple case. I say that b/c I don’t believe the motion to strike the FND is a significant one b/c the Judge isn’t deciding w/r Ripple had fair notice, but only w/r it can argue it.

— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) February 20, 2022

The SEC had previously filed a move for reconsideration on behalf of the plaintiff, contending that the Hinman speech, which had previously been referred to as "personal opinion," may now be referred to as "public guidance."

Many were surprised by the agency's U-turn, including Attorney Jeremy Hogan, who responded with a tweet: ''I'm reading it, but can't quite believe it. NOW the speech wasn't Hinman's personal opinion at all but intended to convey the Dept. Of Corp Finance's position on digital assets?! In the legal world, this is as crazy as it gets!!''

John Deaton believes that the chances of XRP being mentioned in any of the 63 emails remain likely, although the final version of the speech discusses both Bitcoin and ETH and does not refer to XRP.

He asked with emotion, ''What are the chances of XRP not being raised at all in any of the 63 emails? What are the chances that at least one person in the email chain brought up XRP? One person in the email chain could've posed a very reasonable question such as: 'What about XRP?' "

Deaton feels that the SEC turning in the emails might be huge for XRP: ''If Judge Netburn ultimately rules that the emails must be turned over, it is HUGE. Don' y forget, even if the SEC persuades her that the emails are covered under the DPP, she can still pierce the privilege and order the documents produced."

Two given scenarios are presented by the crypto law founder. First, if Judge Netburn rules the emails are privileged but orders that the SEC turn them in, it might suggest that XRP is mentioned, and/or the evidence is exculpatory.

Second, if Judge Netburn overturns her previous decision and determines the emails to be privileged, then the emails, though useful to Ripple, might not be as important as perceived.

"The reconsideration will be the biggest decision," Deaton explains.