mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Judge Rules General Motors Can Keep Ignition Switch Documents Confidential

General Motors has gotten its way regarding confidential and secret documents surrounding the ignition-switch recall scandal that has plagued the automaker, according to Reuters.

A Manhattan U.S. federal judge ruled GM and its law firm do not need to turn over additional secret documents to drivers hoping to show that the automaker intended to commit a crime or fraud by concealing defective ignition switches in their vehicles.

“Put simply, plaintiffs do not provide a factual basis for a good faith belief that the communications and work product they seek – let alone any particular communications or work product they seek – were made with the intent to further a crime or fraud,” U.S. judge Jesse Furman wrote.

Forman found no additional intent that GM had further intent to commit a crime through the documents, and stated the most important documents have already been released to drivers involved in ignition-switch cases.

“We’re pleased with the court’s ruling,” GM spokesman James Cain said. “The company did not conspire with King & Spalding to further any crime or fraud.”

The news follows GM’s announcement two months ago to pay $900 million to drop all criminal investigation and charges by the U.S. government.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

No Comments yet

Leave a comment

Cancel