Could U.S. Attorneys Bring Politically Motivated Cases Against Trump’s Enemies Face Disciplinary Action?
A recent inquiry raised whether Pam Bondi and Lindsey Halligan, two high-profile attorneys working under the Trump administration, could face disciplinary action from their state bars for pursuing politically motivated cases against perceived enemies of the president.
In Florida, the state where both Bondi and Halligan are licensed, there are rules that govern attorneys' behavior. These rules can lead to sanctions, including disbarment. However, it's essential to consider the practical realities when examining the possibility of disciplinary action against these lawyers.
Pam Bondi has been accused by a group of lawyers, law professors, and former judges of violating Florida bar rules. They alleged that she "personally and through her senior management" has coerced DOJ lawyers into breaching their ethical obligations under a memo issued on her first day in office. The Florida Bar maintains it cannot investigate Bondi due to its policy not to probe sitting officers appointed under the U.S. Constitution while they're in office.
The rules may be unenforceable as long as Bondi remains in her current position, but it's uncertain whether this means she can avoid disciplinary action after leaving the DOJ. A recent Florida Supreme Court decision rejected a bid to force the bar to investigate Bondi, leaving open the possibility of looking into the matter later.
Lindsey Halligan, on the other hand, is leading the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. She has secured indictments against two high-profile Trump critics – James Comey and Letitia James – over the objections of career prosecutors, including Erik Siebert, a Republican who was forced out after resisting bringing those cases.
Halligan is also licensed in Florida, which means that state rules can be applied to her behavior. The rules impose special responsibilities on prosecutors, including refraining from prosecuting charges lacking probable cause and making timely disclosure of evidence that could negate the guilt of an accused or mitigate an offense.
However, proving that Halligan knowingly pursued cases without sufficient probable cause is an almost impossible task, requiring a confession she has not yet made. Another rule – making timely disclosure to the defense of evidence that could affect their case – reflects the "Brady" obligations and could potentially be violated in her cases with Comey and James.
While it's uncertain whether Halligan will face disciplinary action before or after the Comey and James cases are resolved, there is a possibility that other ethics rules applying to lawyers in general could come into play. As these cases unfold, it remains to be seen whether either Bondi or Halligan will ultimately face disciplinary action from their state bars.
A recent inquiry raised whether Pam Bondi and Lindsey Halligan, two high-profile attorneys working under the Trump administration, could face disciplinary action from their state bars for pursuing politically motivated cases against perceived enemies of the president.
In Florida, the state where both Bondi and Halligan are licensed, there are rules that govern attorneys' behavior. These rules can lead to sanctions, including disbarment. However, it's essential to consider the practical realities when examining the possibility of disciplinary action against these lawyers.
Pam Bondi has been accused by a group of lawyers, law professors, and former judges of violating Florida bar rules. They alleged that she "personally and through her senior management" has coerced DOJ lawyers into breaching their ethical obligations under a memo issued on her first day in office. The Florida Bar maintains it cannot investigate Bondi due to its policy not to probe sitting officers appointed under the U.S. Constitution while they're in office.
The rules may be unenforceable as long as Bondi remains in her current position, but it's uncertain whether this means she can avoid disciplinary action after leaving the DOJ. A recent Florida Supreme Court decision rejected a bid to force the bar to investigate Bondi, leaving open the possibility of looking into the matter later.
Lindsey Halligan, on the other hand, is leading the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. She has secured indictments against two high-profile Trump critics – James Comey and Letitia James – over the objections of career prosecutors, including Erik Siebert, a Republican who was forced out after resisting bringing those cases.
Halligan is also licensed in Florida, which means that state rules can be applied to her behavior. The rules impose special responsibilities on prosecutors, including refraining from prosecuting charges lacking probable cause and making timely disclosure of evidence that could negate the guilt of an accused or mitigate an offense.
However, proving that Halligan knowingly pursued cases without sufficient probable cause is an almost impossible task, requiring a confession she has not yet made. Another rule – making timely disclosure to the defense of evidence that could affect their case – reflects the "Brady" obligations and could potentially be violated in her cases with Comey and James.
While it's uncertain whether Halligan will face disciplinary action before or after the Comey and James cases are resolved, there is a possibility that other ethics rules applying to lawyers in general could come into play. As these cases unfold, it remains to be seen whether either Bondi or Halligan will ultimately face disciplinary action from their state bars.
. I mean, we all know that the Trump administration has been pretty polarizing, but come on - bringing cases against people just because they're perceived as enemies of the president? That's some serious abuse of power.
. And with Halligan, it's tough to prove that she knowingly pursued cases without enough probable cause - almost impossible, really.
. I think the real question here is: why are these women being allowed to continue doing this? And how can we make sure that no one else in their positions is able to abuse power like this?
. two ppl just doing their jobs and now we're talking about disbarment? that's crazy talk! Pam Bondi's been accused of coercing DOJ lawyers into breaking rules, but the florida bar can't do anything about it because she's a sitting officer 
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. let's keep an eye on this situation and see what happens next 
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It's not like we haven't seen politics play a role in the justice system before, but this feels pretty shady.
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And as for Lindsey Halligan, she seems to be doing her job too - pursuing cases that need to be prosecuted, regardless of who the suspects are. I don't think we should be making judgments on her just yet. Let the cases play out and then we can have a real conversation about whether or not disciplinary action is warranted 
. And let's be real, it's not like they're getting any sympathy from me - Bondi's been accused of being super aggressive with the DOJ and Halligan's already got her claws in some high-profile Trump critics 
. But seriously, folks, this whole thing is a total mess and I'm just here for the drama 
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you know, when Nixon's guys got caught trying to silence witnesses? It's like they're playing with fire over here, risking their licenses and reputations. I just hope someone keeps a close eye on these two ladies and makes sure justice is served.
. I mean, think about it - Pam Bondi is allegedly coercing DOJ lawyers into breaking their own rules, but the Florida Bar can't do anything because she's a sitting officer 
. It's like they're above the law, you know? The system's supposed to be fair and equal, but when it comes down to it, it's all about who you know and who's connected 
. I'm not saying they should face disciplinary action just yet, but something's gotta give eventually. Mark my words 
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Lindsey Halligan is a total GOAT for going after James Comey and Letitia James but the whole thing feels super shady. Like, did they really have probable cause or was it just a witch hunt? 
. Both Pam Bondi and Lindsey Halligan are pushing boundaries with these politically motivated cases, but it's also clear they're not following the rules either 
. The Florida Bar's policy of not investigating sitting officers might be a gray area, but it doesn't excuse their behavior 
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I mean think about it - if the shoe was on the other foot, they would be all over these lawyers like white on rice. And what's with Lindsey Halligan and her cases against Comey and James? It's like she's got a personal vendetta or something... 
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