Lawfare Daily: Legal Threats to the Jan. 6 Convictions with Kyle Cheney
Oct 7, 2024
auto_awesome
Kyle Cheney, Senior Legal Affairs Reporter for Politico, unpacks the intricate legal challenges surrounding the January 6th prosecutions. He delves into a major ruling deeming geofencing warrants unconstitutional and its potential impact on ongoing cases. The discussion also highlights the implications of former President Trump's promise to pardon convicted rioters if he returns to office. Cheney's insights illuminate the evolving legal landscape and the serious ramifications for the Justice Department's handling of these politically charged cases.
The legal challenges related to the misdemeanor trespassing charge may undermine the Justice Department's ability to prosecute many January 6 defendants.
Recent court rulings questioning geofence warrants raise significant concerns about the future legality of evidence-gathering methods used in these cases.
Deep dives
Legal Challenges to January 6th Charges
Challenges are emerging against the charges stemming from the January 6th Capitol riot, complicating the Justice Department's efforts for accountability. A significant legal hurdle pertains to the trespassing charge related to entering and remaining in the Capitol, which historically has been a foundational charge in nearly all the cases. Courts are now questioning whether defendants must have knowledge of the presence of Secret Service protectees, like Mike Pence, to be convicted, potentially undermining numerous existing cases. This shift in judicial interpretation raises concerns about the robustness of the legal foundation upon which the prosecutions are built.
Impacts of the D.C. Circuit Court
The D.C. Circuit Court is expected to influence the path forward for many January 6th cases, notably those involving the charge of entering restricted Capitol grounds. A notable case concerning Coy Griffin, an early misdemeanor defendant, is pending judgment, which could set critical precedents affecting several other defendants. Recently, district court judges have increasingly ruled against the Justice Department's interpretations of the law, indicating a more rigorous standard of proof than previously expected. This development could lead to significant implications for defendants who may challenge their charges based on this evolving legal landscape.
Concerns Regarding Geofence Warrants
Geofence warrants utilized by the Justice Department for tracking individuals during the Capitol riot are under scrutiny following a Fifth Circuit ruling deeming them unconstitutional. While the specific ruling does not directly affect ongoing January 6th cases, it raises questions about the future legality of such warrants and their implications for forthcoming prosecutions. This method of tracking has been pivotal in forming cases against those involved in the riot, as it effectively narrows down unauthorized individuals in the restricted area during a time when streets were largely empty. Despite concerns about civil liberties, the unique circumstances of January 6th may limit the potential for overreach inherent in such tracking methods.
Potential Presidential Pardons and Their Consequences
The potential for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for January 6th defendants presents a significant existential threat to the Justice Department's achievements in accountability. Trump has expressed intentions to pardon those charged, framing them as victims of political targeting, which could negate the years of legal work put into holding individuals accountable for the riot. This possibility is particularly alarming given the severe implications for the rule of law and the broader governmental response to a perceived attack on democracy. The impact of such pardons could nullify many of the prosecutions and reshape the historical understanding of accountability following the Capitol riot.
Kyle Cheney, Senior Legal Affairs Reporter for Politico, discusses his recent Politico article on the legal and political landmines threatening the criminal prosecutions of rioters involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol siege.
Lawfare Senior Editor Roger Parloff sat down with Kyle to discuss a serious legal challenge to the key misdemeanor charge leveled in more than 90 percent of Jan. 6 cases, a troubling ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit declaring most so-called “geofencing” warrants unconstitutional, and former President Trump’s promises to pardon many Jan. 6 defendants if he wins reelection.