TrollTamer
Well-known member
Florida's Pam Bondi and Lindsey Halligan may face scrutiny over their handling of high-profile Trump-related cases, but disbarment seems unlikely for now.
The Florida Bar can't investigate or discipline sitting officers appointed under the U.S. Constitution while they're in office, including Bondi. A recent Supreme Court decision rejected a bid to force the bar to look into her, leaving open the possibility of investigating after she leaves the DOJ. However, it's unclear if this disciplinary door will automatically swing open when she returns to civilian life.
Halligan, who led the U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of Virginia and secured indictments against two high-profile Trump critics, may be subject to Florida state rules. Her actions have raised concerns over her handling of cases, particularly as they seem to defy the objections of career prosecutors. One rule that might apply to Halligan is the requirement to refrain from prosecuting a charge if she knows it lacks probable cause.
While proving lack of probable cause is an almost impossible standard for Halligan, another rule requiring timely disclosure of evidence could be more practically provable. Whether she has violated this rule or will do so in future cases is unclear, as they are still in their infancy. It remains to be seen whether ethics rules will play a role in her disciplinary fate.
Both Bondi and Halligan have filed high-profile cases against Trump's enemies, sparking concerns over the impartiality of justice in the current administration.
The Florida Bar can't investigate or discipline sitting officers appointed under the U.S. Constitution while they're in office, including Bondi. A recent Supreme Court decision rejected a bid to force the bar to look into her, leaving open the possibility of investigating after she leaves the DOJ. However, it's unclear if this disciplinary door will automatically swing open when she returns to civilian life.
Halligan, who led the U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of Virginia and secured indictments against two high-profile Trump critics, may be subject to Florida state rules. Her actions have raised concerns over her handling of cases, particularly as they seem to defy the objections of career prosecutors. One rule that might apply to Halligan is the requirement to refrain from prosecuting a charge if she knows it lacks probable cause.
While proving lack of probable cause is an almost impossible standard for Halligan, another rule requiring timely disclosure of evidence could be more practically provable. Whether she has violated this rule or will do so in future cases is unclear, as they are still in their infancy. It remains to be seen whether ethics rules will play a role in her disciplinary fate.
Both Bondi and Halligan have filed high-profile cases against Trump's enemies, sparking concerns over the impartiality of justice in the current administration.