Apple’s case against the FBI will be a long, drawn-out process. But there are some big dates that are coming up soon.
February 26: Deadline for Apple to file its response to the Justice Department’s motion to compel the company to help it unlock a San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone.
It is expected to invoke the First Amendment, claiming that computer code is protected speech. Apple believes the court cannot force it to write a new version of its operating system.
March 3: Supporters, opponents and anyone outside the case are due to file remarks to the court. The magistrate-judge will weigh those briefs when deciding on the case.
March 10: The government will have an opportunity to respond to Apple. In a motion filed February 19, the government cited the All Writs Act, which allows a court to force a company to turn over customer data to law enforcement.
March 15: After assessing the government’s response, Apple has to file its final reply.
March 22: Attorneys for Apple and the government will appear in a District Court in Riverside, California at 1 p.m. PT. They will both argue their cases to a magistrate-judge, who will rule shortly after.
The losing party will likely appeal to have the case heard by a District Court judge. The case could be appealed all the way to the Supreme Court.
