The Justice Department can again settle cases by paying non-profits

The Justice Department has reversed a rule that stopped it from settling cases by directing payments to non-governmental groups. This means the department can now use these payments as part of legal settlements, as it did before 2022.

For several years, the Justice Department could not direct settlement money to non-profits, even if those groups worked on issues related to the case. This rule change means the department can once again use these payments to resolve disputes. It gives prosecutors more flexibility in how they structure agreements, potentially allowing for broader impacts beyond direct financial penalties.