This happens all the time in court cases. When I sued a home builder for fraud, after reading the pleas and within 20 minutes of being in court the judge said to the Defendant, "Look. I'm finding 300bps to be a credible witness. I have another case I have to go to now. There's a room over there, I suggest you settle with him." They ended up settling with me.
In Apple's case, every conspirator involved except Apple settled with the government. Apple are the only ones that chose to go to court. The "tentative view" that Judge Cote formed by reading the pleadings was a way to tell the Defendant: you sure seem guilty based on the evidence you and the government provided. If you want to save yourself some money, I suggest settling.
Sometimes cases are so clear cut that it is just not right for it to proceed to a full trial. That's where things like tentative views and Summary Judgments come in.
In Apple's case, every conspirator involved except Apple settled with the government. Apple are the only ones that chose to go to court. The "tentative view" that Judge Cote formed by reading the pleadings was a way to tell the Defendant: you sure seem guilty based on the evidence you and the government provided. If you want to save yourself some money, I suggest settling.
Sometimes cases are so clear cut that it is just not right for it to proceed to a full trial. That's where things like tentative views and Summary Judgments come in.