Bloomberg Law Weekend Law: Bolton Indicted, Voting Rights & Reagan Judges
Oct 18, 2025
Mark Zaid, a national security attorney, delves into John Bolton's indictment under the Espionage Act, highlighting key legal challenges and implications. Richard Briffault, an elections law expert, discusses the Supreme Court’s upcoming decisions on the Voting Rights Act, predicting significant shifts in redistricting policies. Jacqueline Thomsen, a reporter focused on the judiciary, reveals how Reagan-appointed judges are increasingly critical of the Trump administration, showcasing a fascinating evolution in conservative judicial philosophy.
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Diary, Not Book, Drives Bolton Charges
- The Bolton indictment centers on his private diary sent to family, not the manuscript of his book.
- Espionage Act prosecutions rarely reach trial and often hinge on classified-information rulings that favor the government.
Classification Challenges Rarely Win Trials
- Challenging classification determinations is difficult and few Espionage Act defenses succeed at trial.
- Pretrial classified-information motions (CIPA/SEPA) are the main leverage for defendants and can force dismissals.
Petraeus Case As A Useful Parallel
- Mark Zaid compared Bolton's case to General Petraeus, who shared classified material with an unauthorized recipient.
- Petraeus received probation and a fine, illustrating plea outcomes common in similar prosecutions.
