Brief in Terrorism Case Comes Back to Haunt Holder
Attorney General Eric Holder’s critics have turned to a Supreme Court brief he signed in 2004, espousing the view that the danger of a too-powerful Executive Branch outweighs the risk of losing intelligence in terrorism cases prosecuted in civilian courts.
Senate Panel Endorses Cocaine Sentencing Bill
“I know this agreement is not everything we would like,” bill sponsor Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said. “Frankly, it is not everything that I would like either. But this is a historic day. The Senate Judiciary Committee has never reported a bill to reduce this crack-powder disparity.”
Senate Confirms New York and Georgia U.S. Attorneys
More than a year after President Barack Obama took office, the Senate has confirmed 36 U.S. Attorneys out of 93 positions.
Cobell, Justice Urge Congress to Act as Critics Question Settlement
Parties to the settlement of the Cobell v. Salazar class action suit urged Congress to approve the settlement, while some continue to question the size of attorneys’ fees.
Mukasey’s ‘Qaeda 7′ Defense Helps Yoo and Bybee
President George W. Bush’s last Attorney General has been a fierce critic of his successor, Eric Holder. Today he found some common ground on national security.
BAE’s Settlement Affecting Government Contracts
The company plead guilty earlier this month to defrauding the U.S. government.
EU Airline Proposal Takes Middle Ground Between DOT, DOJ
The European Commission and the U.S. Transportation Department are considering a proposed alliance between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. The Justice Department, which has an advisory role in the discussions, had taken a more aggressive approach to the potential alliance.
Obama Signs Memorandum on Recouping Improper Payments
The president directed Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag to come up with a thorough auditing plan to find — and then recover — billions of dollars in improper government payments.
Fraud Section Lawyers Promoted to Deputy Chiefs
The promotion of two veterans to fill a long-vacant securities deputy slot could mean a new supervisory position is being created. If so, that would “send a strong message to the corporate world,” one observer said.
Rove Recounts Tussles With Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald
“There’s an old saw that with the right grand jury, a good prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich. When Fitzgerald finished with me, I felt like that ham sandwich,” former White House adviser Karl Rove wrote.
Judge Throws Out Antitrust Suit Against Google
A judge said that New York isn’t the proper venue for the lawsuit, which accuses the search giant of manipulating its ad rates to shut search competitors out of the market. Microsoft lawyers represented the plaintiff company.
Two Assistant Directors Named in Civil Division
In all, the department announced the promotions of nine lawyers in the division’s Commercial Litigation Branch.
House Honors U.S. Marshal, Officer In Las Vegas Shooting
A deputy U.S. Marshal was wounded and a court security officer died in shooting at a Las Vegas federal courthouse in January.
Senate Panel To Take Up Fla., S.C. U.S. Attorney Nominees
The Senate Judiciary Committee has yet to schedule votes for another 18 would-be U.S. Attorneys.
Comcast, NBC Get Final Grilling on Capitol Hill
The regulators overseeing the reviews of the deal, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski and Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney joined the hearing for a separate opening panel.
DOJ Picks New Head of Public Integrity
Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer is expected to make the official announcement Thursday.
Obama Nominates U.S. Attorneys for Idaho, Maine
President Barack Obama has now made 54 U.S. Attorney nominations. The Senate has confirmed 34 U.S. Attorneys so far.
Schumer Plans Hearings On Changing the Filibuster
Democratic leaders have complained that Republicans have made it difficult for the Senate to consider bills and nominations — including some for Justice Department positions — in a timely fashion.
Conyers’ Wife Sentenced To Three Years in Prison
Monica Conyers pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery for her part in a pay-to-play deal involving a city contract.
Watch List Director Touts Efforts To Stop Terrorists
FBI Terrorist Screening Center Director Timothy Healy told a Senate panel that his office is addressing weaknesses that were highlighted by the attempted Dec. 25 airliner bombing.
Maryland Pleased With Voting Machine Divestiture
Six days before Maryland’s deadline for bids on new voting machines, the two largest manufacturers merged. They were also the only two that had submitted bids.
Meet Laura Duffy
The nominee for the Southern District of California once spent a summer working as a cook at a restaurant in Ames, Iowa. Duffy has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the district since 1997.
Reversal on KSM Trial Could Undermine Holder, ACLU Says
Now liberals who had been critical of the George W. Bush administration are saying the Obama Justice Department risks becoming politicized.
