Our extensive coverage of the dispute between Jim Nolan, Theresa Nolan and their company, The Nolan Network, with Ocean Spray has now reached a new point.
As we explained here, a jury had awarded the Nolans damages of one million dollars. Now, Judge Robert C. Rufo has determined that the judgment should be doubled to $2 million.
In addition, interest on the judgment must be paid from December 16, 2003, and Ocean Spray must also pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees.
Although it is likely Ocean Spray will appeal, it is hard to imagine a more sweeping statement as to the justice of the claims presented by the Nolans.
Considering the difference in resources between the Nolans and mighty Ocean Spray, comparisons to the story of David and Goliath are inevitable. That the righteous may prevail is a dream embedded deep in the Judeo/Christian ethic and, indeed, in Western civilization:
And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.
And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
• 1 Samuel.17
