Families of 737 Max Crash Victims Seek Reinstatement of Boeing Fraud Charges
Attorneys representing families of victims from two Boeing 737 Max crashes have petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to reconsider a decision not to reinstate criminal fraud charges against Boeing. The lawyers argue that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) violated the Crime Victims Rights Act by negotiating a deferred-prosecution agreement with Boeing without adequately consulting the families. This agreement led to a non-prosecution deal in 2025, which was preferred over taking the case to trial. The DOJ had initially charged Boeing in 2021 with defrauding the Federal Aviation Administration during the 737 Max certification process. The families' attorneys are seeking an 'en banc' review, meaning a review by all the circuit's judges, to address what they consider an exceptional issue of importance. 
