Microsoft punishment phase to begin next month

(Washington-AP) -- The judge in the Microsoft case is looking ahead to the next phase of the antitrust trial, after ruling against the company this week.<br> <br>Sources say U-S District Judge Thomas

Wednesday, April 5th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- The judge in the Microsoft case is looking ahead to the next phase of the antitrust trial, after ruling against the company this week.

Sources say U-S District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson is tentatively scheduled to begin holding hearings on possible remedies on May 24th.

Jackson told both sides yesterday that he wanted to "fast track" an expected appeal by Microsoft directly to the Supreme Court.

But, he also indicated he may just send Monday's judgment to a federal appeals court in Washington D-C, before the punishment phase begins.

Jackson held another meeting today, and one participant says he dropped a demand that the government and the software giant submit final offers in the case. He apparently wants to allow more room for any settlement negotiations.

Earlier this week, the judge ruled that Microsoft used its monopoly power to break antitrust laws.