US House of Representatives Passes H.J. Res. 72 to Revoke Executive Tariffs on Canada
On February 11, 2026, the US House of Representatives passed a joint resolution (H.J. Res. 72) by a vote of 219-211 to revoke the national emergency underlying the administration's 25% tariffs on Canada. The tariffs, implemented via Executive Order 14193, were justified under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) due to border security concerns. Utilizing a statutory mechanism within the National Emergencies Act, the House vote forces the resolution to the Senate, where it is shielded from the filibuster. This legislative push coincides with an impending Supreme Court decision that will determine whether the executive branch exceeded its IEEPA authority by imposing these sweeping tariffs, potentially exposing the government to billions in refund liabilities.
Source: CFR
Brazil Supreme Court Redefines Platform Liability Under Marco Civil da Internet
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court declared Article 19 of the Marco Civil da Internet partially unconstitutional on February 10, 2026, ending the blanket requirement for a judicial order before platforms can be held liable for user-generated content. The judgment establishes a rigorous "duty of care," compelling platforms to proactively identify and remove "evidently illicit content"—such as child exploitation, racism, and anti-democratic incitement—or face direct civil liability. Additionally, tech companies are now strictly liable for illegal content that is monetized, boosted via advertising, or artificially amplified. While standard defamation claims and private messaging apps remain protected under the old rules, this forces major tech entities to implement aggressive moderation algorithms.
Source: SAFLII
South Africa High Court Clarifies the Absolute Divestment of Directors in Liquidation
The High Court in Pretoria delivered a decisive ruling on February 3, 2026, clarifying the statutory allocation of power during corporate liquidations. In a dispute involving the liquidators and creditors of African Brick Centre, the court reinforced that a winding-up order immediately transfers all corporate assets into the custody of the Master of the High Court. The judgment strictly affirmed that former directors and managers are instantly stripped of all authority to manage the company or effect transactions, rendering any such attempts void ab initio. Delivered against the backdrop of the newly established Insolvency Court in Johannesburg, the ruling ensures that insolvent estates remain hermetically sealed for equitable creditor distribution.
Source: Tech Policy
eSwatini High Court Dismisses Challenge to Secret US Deportee Deal
The High Court of eSwatini dismissed a constitutional lawsuit on February 4, 2026, filed by human rights organizations attempting to block a secret agreement with the United States to accept deported migrants. The applicants argued that the executive branch violated Section 238 of the Constitution by executing the treaty without mandatory parliamentary ratification and public disclosure. The government defended the deal, contending that civil society groups lack the legal standing to interfere in sovereign bilateral diplomacy. The court's dismissal allows the US administration to continue utilizing eSwatini as a third-country destination for deportees, setting a concerning regional precedent for bypassing democratic oversight in international agreements.
Source: Southern Africa Litigation Centre
India Supreme Court Quashes Ex Post Facto Environmental Clearances
The Supreme Court of India invalidated the environmental and land-use clearances granted to a cement plant in Punjab on February 17, 2026, ruling in favor of a 93-year-old environmental activist. The Court found that the state illegally permitted industrial construction on land zoned for agriculture under the local Master Plan. When challenged, authorities attempted to legitimize the project using an ex post facto (retroactive) approval. Justices Nath and Mehta ruled that unless a statute explicitly allows for retrospective regularization, administrative bodies cannot retroactively cure unlawful permissions. This judgment reinforces strict adherence to environmental planning laws and curbs the governmental practice of granting post-construction amnesty to industrial violators.
Source: Babushahi
12th US-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue Deepens Legal and Military Ties
During the 12th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila on February 16, 2026, the United States and the Philippines issued a joint commitment to counter aggression in the Indo-Pacific, anchoring their military alliance in international maritime law. The dialogue reaffirmed the binding nature of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and finalized a $144 million US investment into Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites for 2026, facilitating troop rotation without violating constitutional bans on permanent foreign bases. Additionally, the nations pledged to advance the Luzon Economic Corridor to secure critical mineral supply chains, following a February 4 MOU aimed at diversifying the global critical minerals sector.
Source: US Embassy in the Philippines
UK Supreme Court Invalidates Oatly’s "POST MILK GENERATION" Trade Mark
The UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled on February 11, 2026, against vegan brand Oatly, finding that its trademark "POST MILK GENERATION" violates assimilated European Union laws protecting agricultural designations. Under the regulations, the term "milk" is strictly reserved for dairy products. Oatly attempted to defend the mark using a statutory proviso that allows descriptive use, arguing the phrase highlighted their products' "milk-free" quality. The Supreme Court rejected this, holding that the slogan did not legitimately describe a characteristic quality of the goods under the strict legal definitions of the assimilated EU Regulation 1308/2013. The judgment represents a major legal victory for the dairy industry against plant-based market encroachment.
Source: Supreme Court UK
Advocate General Finds Hungary's Sovereignty Law Infringes EU Law
On February 12, 2026, EU Advocate General Juliane Kokott issued an Opinion declaring that Hungary's "Law on the protection of national sovereignty" violates European Union law. The law established the Sovereign Protection Office (SPO), granting it sweeping powers to investigate NGOs, media, and political parties for alleged foreign interference. The AG concluded that the legislation infringes upon fundamental EU rights, including the freedom of association, the right to privacy, and the principles of democracy, by creating a chilling effect without adequate judicial oversight. If the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) adopts this Opinion, Hungary could face significant financial penalties for democratic backsliding.
Source: Court of Justice of The European Union
New Zealand Court of Appeal Sustains Protection for Puberty Blocker Prescriptions
The New Zealand Court of Appeal issued a judgment on February 5, 2026, solidifying legal protections for medical professionals treating transgender youth. The case arose after the government introduced a November 2025 regulation banning new prescriptions of puberty blockers. While the High Court had already paused the enforcement of this ban pending a full judicial review, advocates appealed, fearing doctors could still face private ethical complaints. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal but clarified that the High Court's injunction acts as an absolute shield. The Court ruled that it would violate the rule of law for any medical body to entertain professional misconduct complaints based on a regulation that the judiciary has actively suspended.
Source: Ngā Kōti o Aotearoa Courts of New Zealand