In the latest edition of the How Appealing blog, a variety of appellate litigation stories have garnered attention this week, reflecting significant legal developments and public sentiments toward major judicial institutions.
One of the notable stories involves the intricate legal landscape following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding former President Donald Trump’s claims of criminal immunity. Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney of Politico delve into the details, describing how the federal election case has returned to the trial court and the complicated challenges that lie ahead. Their comprehensive analysis can be found here.
In another significant development, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld Boston’s council prayer custom, rejecting a challenge brought by the Satanic Temple. Nate Raymond of Reuters provides an in-depth report on the ruling, which is crucial for understanding how courts approach the balance between religious practices and governmental functions. You can read more about this decision here.
Public perception of the Supreme Court continues to be a focal point of discussions. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, favorable views of the Supreme Court are hovering near historic lows. This sentiment reflects broader skepticism and calls for reform within the judiciary. Joseph Copeland presents the findings of the study, which is available here.
On the matter of judicial reform, Dahlia Lithwick at Slate explores the potential for significant changes in the conversation around the U.S. Supreme Court, particularly through the perspective of Tim Walz, a former civics teacher. Lithwick’s essay highlights Walz’s unconventional viewpoint, underscoring the need for a broader public understanding of SCOTUS. For a detailed exposition, read her essay here.
Lastly, the highly publicized fraud trial of attorney Tom Girardi has commenced, attracting widespread media attention. The Los Angeles Times’ Matt Hamilton outlines the initial proceedings, weighing the arguments surrounding Girardi’s culpability versus the alleged malfeasance of his CFO. The ongoing trial’s progress can be tracked here.
For a more comprehensive review of these stories and more, visit the How Appealing roundup.