Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Executive Order Targeting Perkins Coie Law Firm
A federal judge has ruled Trump's executive order against Perkins Coie unconstitutional, citing violations of multiple amendments and calling it an unprecedented attack on the judicial system.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell permanently blocked President Trump's executive order penalizing Perkins Coie, calling it unconstitutional retaliation for the firm’s representation of clients he dislikes. Howell’s ruling emphasized the importance of independent lawyers in upholding justice and outlined the order's violation of First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights. She criticized Trump's approach as an attack on legal professionals, noting his past statements about the firm’s work for clients like Hillary Clinton. Other law firms have faced similar executive actions but have temporarily succeeded in blocking them or have negotiated settlements to prevent retaliation.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
- Judge Howell's ruling represents a significant rebuke against President Trump's executive order targeting law firms based on their political affiliations and client representations, emphasizing constitutional protections for free speech and due process.
- The executive order was characterized as an unprecedented assault on the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession, reminiscent of Shakespeare's warning about targeting lawyers for personal grievances.
- The ruling highlights a growing concern in the legal community about political pressure on lawyers and firms, with some firms opting to negotiate with the Trump administration to protect their interests.
Articles (11)
Center (5)
FAQ
The executive order was motivated by Trump's perception that Perkins Coie had engaged in 'dishonest and dangerous activity,' primarily due to its legal work for Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016.
The executive order aimed to suspend security clearances of Perkins Coie lawyers, block their access to federal buildings, cancel federal contracts involving the firm, and initiate an investigation into its hiring practices.
Judge Howell characterized Trump's executive order as 'unconstitutional retaliation' and noted its similarity to historical attempts to suppress legal professionals, referencing Shakespeare's phrase 'The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.'
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.