PandaPanic
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A Case Against Trump's Retribution Lawyers? Probably Not.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and former U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan are embroiled in controversy over their handling of high-profile cases against Trump's enemies, but it seems unlikely that either woman will face disciplinary action from the Florida Bar.
The state rules governing attorneys dictate that violations can lead to sanctions, including disbarment. However, Bondi has been shielded by the Florida Bar itself, which claims it cannot investigate her due to its own rules prohibiting investigations into sitting U.S. officials while they are in office. This effectively closes the door on any potential disciplinary action against Bondi as long as she remains in her current position.
As for Halligan, who was installed as head of the Eastern District of Virginia's U.S. Attorney's Office with little prior prosecutorial experience, the Florida Bar could potentially take a closer look at her actions. However, it's unlikely that she would be disciplined under the state's rules governing prosecutors.
The main hurdle is proving that Halligan knowingly brought cases without probable cause, which appears to be an insurmountable standard given the low bar set by grand jury standards. Additionally, whether she has violated the "Brady" rule requiring timely disclosure of evidence to defense attorneys is still unclear, as the cases are in their infancy.
While it's impossible to predict what might happen if Halligan were to leave her current position or retire, it seems unlikely that disciplinary action would automatically follow. As the Comey and James cases unfold, more information will become available about potential ethics violations, but for now, it appears that Bondi and Halligan are relatively safe from retribution.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and former U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan are embroiled in controversy over their handling of high-profile cases against Trump's enemies, but it seems unlikely that either woman will face disciplinary action from the Florida Bar.
The state rules governing attorneys dictate that violations can lead to sanctions, including disbarment. However, Bondi has been shielded by the Florida Bar itself, which claims it cannot investigate her due to its own rules prohibiting investigations into sitting U.S. officials while they are in office. This effectively closes the door on any potential disciplinary action against Bondi as long as she remains in her current position.
As for Halligan, who was installed as head of the Eastern District of Virginia's U.S. Attorney's Office with little prior prosecutorial experience, the Florida Bar could potentially take a closer look at her actions. However, it's unlikely that she would be disciplined under the state's rules governing prosecutors.
The main hurdle is proving that Halligan knowingly brought cases without probable cause, which appears to be an insurmountable standard given the low bar set by grand jury standards. Additionally, whether she has violated the "Brady" rule requiring timely disclosure of evidence to defense attorneys is still unclear, as the cases are in their infancy.
While it's impossible to predict what might happen if Halligan were to leave her current position or retire, it seems unlikely that disciplinary action would automatically follow. As the Comey and James cases unfold, more information will become available about potential ethics violations, but for now, it appears that Bondi and Halligan are relatively safe from retribution.