Slate Daily Feed Amicus | He Quit the Bench to Raise the Alarm
Nov 15, 2025
Retired federal judge Mark L. Wolf discusses his decision to leave the bench, citing alarming threats to the rule of law. He emphasizes the need for judges to uphold integrity amidst political pressure. California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins to reveal his state's proactive legal strategies against federal overreach, particularly concerning SNAP benefits and election integrity. Together, they highlight the crucial role of state litigation in defending democracy and the urgency for citizens to engage in the fight for justice.
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Norms Overhaul Threatens Equal Justice
- Mark Wolf argues that Trump-era attacks on DOJ norms threaten equal justice under law.
- He believes restoring a culture of impartiality is essential to defend democracy.
A Judge Who Finally Stepped Down To Speak
- Mark Wolf described his 40 years as a federal judge and initial reluctance to speak publicly.
- He accepted calls from colleagues to retire so he could warn about threats to the rule of law.
Watergate Reforms Were Cultural And Institutional
- Post-Watergate reforms combined institutional rules with a culture change at DOJ.
- Wolf warns Trump reverses that culture by openly using DOJ for partisan ends.
