

Lawfare Daily: The Trials of the Trump Administration, April 18
15 snips Apr 21, 2025
Legal experts dive into the civil litigation against Trump’s executive actions, highlighting a judge's contempt ruling tied to the Alien Enemies Act. The discussion touches on trends in habeas corpus cases for immigrants and the complexities of due process. A humorous look at legal rivalry fundraising adds spice, while personal journeys and the Abrego Garcia case showcase the struggles of returning unjustly imprisoned citizens. Insights on government accountability from courts underscore the judiciary's evolving stance amidst political tensions.
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Probable Cause for Contempt
- Judge Boasberg found probable cause of criminal contempt for government's willful removal of detainees despite a clear court order.
- The ruling underscores the judiciary's ability to hold the executive accountable even amidst procedural complexities.
Fourth Circuit Condemns Govt Standoff
- The Fourth Circuit's sharp rebuke highlights governmental bad faith in failing to facilitate wrongfully detained Abrego Garcia's return.
- Judge Wilkinson stresses this standoff threatens the rule of law and has long-term consequences for the courts.
Funding Freeze Litigation Insights
- Recent funding freeze cases challenge the executive's overreach in suspending federal grants without individual assessments.
- Courts have granted preliminary injunctions emphasizing the need to protect nonprofits and communities from arbitrary agency actions.