Garnett revealed that the employees had violated a court order outlining rules for counsel, with instructions for the Department of Justice to ensure the Attorney General was aware of and adhered to these guidelines. Mangione’s lawyers presented evidence of public statements from DOJ employees and White House officials they contended had prejudiced his right to a fair trial. Specifically, officials linked Mangione to unrelated acts of violence. One such instance was a social media post by a deputy director of the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs, which was subsequently shared and deleted by the chief of staff and associate deputy attorney general.
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“Sandwich man” gets off: DC jury nullification in the age of Trump. So, let’s talk about this “Sandwich Man” situation. It’s been a whirlwind, hasn’t it? This whole story, it’s become a perfect encapsulation of the political climate. The main thing here, and it’s a crucial distinction, is whether this is truly a case of jury nullification. Jury nullification, as some folks are rightly pointing out, is when a jury essentially says, “We believe the defendant did it, but we’re not going to convict them because we disagree with the law or the way it’s being applied.” That’s a very specific thing.… Continue reading
The Trump Justice Department is reportedly investigating the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department for potential manipulation of crime data, as confirmed by sources and a social media post from the former president. This investigation, spearheaded by the U.S. attorney’s office in D.C., follows reports of an MPD commander being placed on leave amidst accusations of downgrading crime offenses. The probe marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the city and the Trump administration, which has previously criticized D.C.’s leadership for allegedly failing to address rising crime rates, despite city officials and public statistics showing a decrease in violent crime.
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Trump’s DOJ contacting states for voter data and access to voting machines is a disturbing pattern that demands attention. It’s hard to ignore the implications of such actions, especially considering the context of past election challenges and ongoing concerns about election integrity. The very act of requesting such sensitive information, particularly when combined with the push for access to voting machines, raises red flags about potential manipulation or interference in the electoral process.
One can’t help but wonder what the ultimate goal was. Was this a genuine attempt to investigate alleged voter fraud, or was it something more sinister? The timing of these requests, coupled with the broader political landscape, fuels speculation about the intentions behind them.… Continue reading
The Trump-era Department of Justice has filed charges against Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver, stemming from a confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. This action has sparked intense debate, with many viewing it as a politically motivated prosecution aimed at silencing dissent.
The charges relate to an incident during an inspection of an ICE detention facility. Rep. McIver and other lawmakers were present to conduct oversight, a standard function of their legislative role. However, the visit escalated into a clash with ICE agents, leading to the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. While charges against Mayor Baraka were later dropped, Rep.… Continue reading
The Trump Department of Justice is considering a change that would significantly diminish the Public Integrity Section’s (PIN) authority to oversee indictments of members of Congress. This shift would allow U.S. attorneys to indict Congress members without PIN approval, potentially jeopardizing the office’s crucial role in preventing politically motivated prosecutions. The proposed change follows a reduction in PIN staff and comes amidst concerns that the department is weakening its oversight of public corruption. Critics argue this move undermines the office’s established function, created after Watergate, to ensure impartial investigations of government corruption regardless of political affiliation.
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In a memo obtained by USA Today, the Justice Department authorized ICE to conduct warrantless searches of homes suspected to harbor “alien enemies,” invoking the Alien Enemies Act. While warrants are preferred, the memo acknowledges practical limitations in swiftly apprehending such individuals. This authorization permits ICE agents to enter residences to apprehend suspected alien enemies if obtaining a warrant beforehand is deemed impractical, for example, during other enforcement operations. The power is contingent on a reasonable belief that the individual meets all four criteria for classification as an “alien enemy.”
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An Inspector General report revealed that the Trump Justice Department secretly obtained phone and text records from 43 congressional staffers and two members of Congress during leak investigations, exceeding previously reported scope. While the DOJ claimed no political motivation, the report criticizes the department’s disregard for separation of powers by targeting individuals solely due to their lawful access to classified information. The investigation also uncovered violations of DOJ policy regarding the secret acquisition of reporters’ records from major news outlets, including a failure to consult the appropriate review committee. These actions, which did not lead to charges, raise concerns about potential chilling effects on congressional oversight and the erosion of checks and balances.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood