Representatives of Carnival Corporation ("Carnival") appeared in Miami federal court yesterday for a hearing on a proposed resolution of new pollution charges pending against the giant cruise company. The federal court judge, Patricia Seitz, accepted the settlement deal recently reached between the U.S. Government and Carnival, which the parties filed into the court record literally at the last minute before the hearing. Carnival pleaded guilty to six charges of violating probation at the hearing on Monday. A copy of the settlement agreement which was approved in its entirety by the Court is available (via the Miami Herald) here. A Slap on the Wrist for Ongoing and Widespread Environmental Crimes? Judge Seitz accepted and approved the fine reached between the parties without comment. A second judge who presided over the hearing, Ursula Ungaro, took a more serious tone throughout the hearing. Judge Ungaro will be taking responsibility for the case later this year.