The case took a detour this year as the court sorted out whether Fannie Mae is public or private, in light of the conservatorship, and what its status would mean for Herron's claims. In May, Collyer ruled that Fannie Mae should be considered a private company, and that being under conservatorship didn't turn it into a public agency. That ruling opened the door to a discussion on whether Herron could bring claims for punitive damages, since that was only an issue if Fannie Mae was a private company.
This case has been discussed on the TH717 board in the past. The Herron case is Considered important due to this very statement ( BOLD )