World Trade Centre Default Judgment - But enforcement may be difficult

On 15 December 2011 Federal Judge George Daniels entered default judgment against Iran, the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah finding each liable for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York. The $100 billion law suit brought by family members of the victims of the attacks is now to be considered by a Magistrate Judge who will decide remaining issues, including the assessment of compensatory and punitive damages.

The judgment is a controversial one in that it attributes liability for the attack to Iran. An Iranian Government memorandum was lead as evidence of Iran's involvement. It purportedly showed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei had prior...