Called it. Judge Cote wants the deescalation clause pulled from Apple's settlement agreement with the DOJ.

"U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan said she found 'most troubling' a clause requiring Apple to pay only $70 million if an appeals court reversed her finding that the company is liable for antitrust violations and sent it back to her for further proceedings.

Speaking on a teleconference, Cote questioned if that would be fair and what might happen if the appeals court reversed her ruling on a minor issue."

A lawyer for the plaintiffs said he doesn't think that's likely and, given the problems inherent in retrying such a case, $70 million "would be a good outcome for consumers."

When a judge insists on a settlement amount from a defendant higher than the law requires and the plaintiff requests, it's probably a good sign that the judge dislikes the defendant.

Read the whole Rueters article here.