[Infowarrior] - Apple calls Justice Department's filing in iPhone case a 'cheap shot'

[Richard Forno]

Apple calls Justice Department's filing in iPhone case a 'cheap shot'

Shara Tibken

Bruce Sewell, Apple's top attorney, on Thursday ramped up his criticism of the government, accusing the US Department of Justice of taking a "cheap shot" and waging a smear campaign. His remarks were made in response to a Justice Department filing earlier that day that took a harsh tone and accused Apple of skewing the facts in the case.

The agency's brief "reads like an indictment," Sewell said during a call with reporters.

"In 30 years of practice, I don't think I've ever seen a legal brief that was more intended to smear the other side with false accusations and innuendo, and less intended to focus on the real merits of the case," he said. "I can only conclude the DOJ is so desperate at this point it's thrown all decorum to the winds."

Sewell suggested the Justice Department's assertions were akin to Apple asking if the US could trust the FBI. He jokingly brought up rumors that former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover ordered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

"We are going to court to exercise our legal rights," Sewell said. "It seems like disagreeing with the Department of Justice means you must be evil and un-American. Nothing could be further from the truth."

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http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-criticizes-dojs-filing-as-cheap-shot/

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