Law and Chaos

The Supreme Court's six conservatives allow Texas to steal congressional seats with a racially gerrymandered map. Over at the Defense Department, Whiskey Pete's reign of lawlessness continues: After the Defense Department Inspector General ripped him a new one for Signalgate, Congress is looking hard at the murders in the Caribbean. Costco is suing the government over tariffs. And Justin Baldoni is back to teach us civil procedure.

Links:

Signalgate Inspector General Report

https://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/Article/4348367/evaluation-of-the-secretary-of-defenses-reported-use-of-a-commercially-availabl/

Unlawful Orders and Killing Shipwrecked Boat Strike Survivors: An Expert Backgrounder

https://www.justsecurity.org/125948/illegal-orders-shipwrecked-boat-strike-survivors/

NYT v. Department of Defense

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71992017/new-york-times-company-v-department-of-defense/

Costco v. US

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71973233/costco-wholesale-corporation-v-united-states/?order_by=desc

Richman v. US

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71982634/richman-v-united-states/?order_by=desc

In re Grand Jury Subpoenas to NYAG [Sarcone disqualification]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71844954/in-re-grand-jury-subpoenas-to-the-office-of-the-new-york-state-attorney/?order_by=desc

Lively v. Wayfarer

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69510553/lively-v-wayfarer-studios-llc/?order_by=desc

Show Links:

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BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod

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The Secretary of Defense has committed war crimes, or murder, or both. And this time, maybe Congress is willing to do something about it? Meanwhile, a rent-price-fixing company has sued the state of New York arguing that it isn't fixing price, it's doing the Freeze Peach. In DC, Chief Judge James Boasberg continues to look for who was responsible for the government disobeying a court order. And finally, sparklemagic imaginary US Attorney Alina Habba gets to join her buddies on the unemployment line thanks to a decision by the Third Circuit that we break down in detail in the subscriber bonus. Happy Cyber Monday, everyone!

Links:

Eleventh Circuit Bounces Trump's RICO Trollsuit [lawandchaospod.com]

https://www.lawandchaospod.com/p/11th-circuit-bounces-trumps-rico

Episode 168 w/Brian Finucane

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-168-license-to-kill-feat-brian-finucane/id1727769913?i=1000728033267

Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all [Washington Post]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/11/28/hegseth-kill-them-all-survivors-boat-strike/

Statement of the "Former JAGs Working Group" on Media Reports of Pentagon "No Quarter" Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes [via Just Security]

https://www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/former-jag-working-group-no-quarter-statement.pdf

Rent Going Up? One Company's Algorithm Could Be Why.

https://www.propublica.org/article/yieldstar-rent-increase-realpage-rent

US v. Giraud [Third Circuit, Habba Disqualification]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71195676/united-states-v-julien-giraud-jr/

RealPage v. James

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71964352/realpage-inc-v-james/

Show Links:

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BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod

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Big Mazal Tov to Lindsey Halligan, who can stop pretending to be a federal prosecutor now. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that Halligan was never lawfully appointed as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. And since Halligan was the only lawyer who presented the James Comey and Letitia James cases to the grand jury, those cases were dismissed. In a normal world, the Justice Department would just take the "L" and reindict. But nothing is normal in Pam Bondi's DOJ!

Links:

US v. Ghislaine Maxwell

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17318376/united-states-v-maxwell/?order_by=desc

As Trump's Inquisitors Face Scrutiny, a Divisive Figure Could Play a New Role

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/23/us/politics/trump-florida-cannon-grand-jury.html

Turning Point leader, former GOP Rep pleads guilty to attempted election fraud

https://azmirror.com/briefs/turning-point-leader-former-gop-rep-pleads-guilty-to-attempted-election-fraud/

Abbott v. LULAC [SCOTUS docket]

https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/25a608.html

US v. Stewart

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.285023

Judge Thornhill Disqualification Petition

https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Notice.PDF?courtCode=SC&di=214030

US v. Bolton

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17254525/united-states-v-bolton/?order_by=desc

US v. Comey

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136

US v. James

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71601419/united-states-v-james/?order_by=desc

Biden v. Byrne

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67990012/robert-hunter-biden-v-patrick-m-byrne/?order_by=desc

Show Links:

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The lies around the James Comey indictment continue to grow, and we suspect we won't have Imaginary US Attorney Lindsey Halligan to kick around much longer. The US Attorney's Office in Maryland would like her to have some company on her way out. Meanwhile, MAGA's biggest nemesis, Judge James Boasberg in DC, is moving full speed ahead with criminal contempt hearings to figure out everyone in the Trump administration who decided to defy his orders. And Trump's strategy to openly demand that Republicans gerrymander even more Congressional districts in his favor seems to have backfired. Plus, for subscribers, we have a bonus segment on yet another judge having to tell a state no, OF COURSE you can't post the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.

Links:

The Redistricting Wars (Ft. Joe Dye) [Law and Chaos Pod Substack]

https://www.lawandchaospod.com/p/the-redistricting-wars-ft-joe-dye

Chicago Headline Club v. Noem [Seventh Circuit]

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca7.55235

US v. Martinez

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71561860/united-states-v-martinez

Maltinsky v. Patel

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71932232/maltinsky-v-patel/?order_by=desc

Alex Jones Bankruptcy Appeal

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71932190/jones/

Gaither v. US

https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/413/1061/36450/

US v. Comey

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136

DOJ, FBI probing top Trump administration officials over investigations of president's adversaries: Sources

https://abcnews.go.com/US/doj-fbi-probing-top-trump-administration-officials-investigations/story?id=127602305

J.G.G. v. Trump [District Court Docket]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69741724/jgg-v-trump/

Chicago Headline Club v. Noem

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71559589/chicago-headline-club-v-noem/?order_by=desc

LULAC v. Abbott

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60654982/league-of-united-latin-american-citizens-v-abbott/?order_by=desc

Ringer v. Comal Indep. School Dist. [Ten Commandments]

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txwd.1172865472/

Show Links:

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Cosplay US Attorney Lindsey Halligan's grand jury presentation in Jim Comey's case was somehow even worse than expected. She got shredded by the magistrate judge, but scored a five-day reprieve from the district court judge. The JGG case has finally wound its way back to Judge Boasberg. And don't look now, but the DOJ is ever so slightly ON FIRE. Plus, for subscribers, a deep dive into the issue of National Guard deployments at the Supreme Court.

Links:

US v. Comey

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136

The Unraveling of the Justice Department

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/11/16/magazine/trump-justice-department-staff-attorneys.html

Trump v. Clinton [11th Circuit]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66695884/donald-trump-v-hillary-clinton/?order_by=desc

US v. James

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71601414/united-states-v-james

J.G.G. v. Trump [DC Circuit]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69905252/jgg-v-donald-trump/?order_by=desc

The Trump prosecutor probing former top Obama administration officials

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/11/17/trump-obama-jason-quiones-miami-prosecutor/

Show Links:

https://www.lawandchaospod.com/

BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod

Threads: @LawAndChaosPod

Twitter: @LawAndChaosPod

The Epstein emails are here, and now we know why Republicans were hellbent on keeping them hidden. What will it take to see the rest?

Will Trump actually make good on his threat to sue the BBC for tortious editing?

How bad did LARP-ing US Attorney Lindsey Halligan fall on her face today in the Comey and James cases?

And for subscribers: The GOP invents new math to steal a congressional seat. A Republican judge blocks it. Then … pitchforks.

Links:

Justice Dept. Struggled to Find Lawyers to Handle Maurene Comey Suit

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/nyregion/justice-department-maurene-comey-lawyers.html

Maurene Comey v. DOJ [wrongful termination]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71348216/comey-v-united-states-department-of-justice/?order_by=desc

Ireland v. US [trans service members deprived of retirement]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71901559/ireland-v-united-states/

Nation Treasury Employees Union v. Vought

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69821739/national-treasury-employees-union-v-russell-vought/

Utah State Court redistricting order

https://www.lwv.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/2025-11-10-Order.pdf

US v. Comey

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459121/united-states-v-comey/?order_by=desc

US v. James

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71601419/united-states-v-james/?order_by=desc

Show Links:

https://www.lawandchaospod.com/

BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod

Threads: @LawAndChaosPod

Twitter: @LawAndChaosPod

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What did the Democrats win by caving on the shutdown? Astronomical increases in health insurance premiums! And … more weaponization of the Justice Department. We'll break down the latest on the James Comey and Letitia James cases. And we've got a deep dive into Dr. Phil's skeevy bankruptcy maneuvers.

Links:

Spending Bill Would Pave Way for Senators to Sue Over Phone Searches

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/us/politics/senators-shutdown-smith-phone-searches.html

DOJ Miami Office Readies Conspiracy Probe Into Trump Enemies

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/doj-miami-office-plans-probe-into-anti-trump-liberal-conspiracy

Patrick Byrne SCOTUS Petition

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25/25-281/374029/20250908160523555_250910a%20Petition%20for%20efiling.pdf

Senate Version of HR5371 (passed Sunday night)

https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/continuing_appropriations_act_2026_bill_text.pdf

Gov'ts supplemental brief on SNAP benefits [SCOTUS]

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25/25A539/384078/20251110153353557_RI%20Council%20-%20Supplemental%20Br%20-%20FINAL.pdf

US v. Comey

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459121/united-states-v-comey/?order_by=desc

US v. James

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71601419/united-states-v-james/?order_by=desc

Merit Street Bankruptcy

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70687981/merit-street-media-inc/?order_by=desc

Merit Street Adversary Proceeding

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70688403/merit-street-media-inc-adversary-proceeding/?order_by=desc

Show Links:

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BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod

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The Supreme Court's conservatives are horrified to discover that making Trump god king of tariffs may backfire. Too bad they didn't realize that two months ago, huh? Two courts in Chicago tell DHS goons to follow the Constitution. And Lindsey Halligan, insurance prosecutor to the stars, continues to be amazing.

Links:

The Situation: Where's The Lie? [Lawfare]

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-situation--where-s-the-lie

US v. Comey

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459121/united-states-v-comey/?order_by=desc

US v. James

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71601419/united-states-v-james/?order_by=desc

Moreno Gonzalez v. Noem [Broadview]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71832522/moreno-gonzalez-v-noem-secretary-us-department-of-homeland-security/?order_by=desc

Chicago Headline Club v. Noem

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71559589/chicago-headline-club-v-noem/?order_by=desc

People of the State of New York v. Trump [Second Circuit]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69127181/people-of-the-state-of-new-york-v-trump/?order_by=desc

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Foiled in Scheme to Extend Texas Abortion Ban to New York

https://msmagazine.com/2025/11/06/margaret-carpenter-shield-law-ken-paxton-letitia-james-abortion-pills-ban/

Tariff Case Oral Argument SCOTUS

https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287

Show Links:

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As Sean "Hoagie Hero" Dunn goes on trial in DC for throwing a sandwich at an immigration agent, we learn what a "husher" is. A judge in New York yanks the seal off of another harassment campaign against Trump's enemies. The Oregon national guard remains federalized but not deployed. And we've got a deep dive into all the many illegal ways Trump is trying to keep his cronies in position as US Attorneys. Plus for subscribers: Justin Baldoni is back to teach us all CivPro.

Links:

In Re Grand Jury Subpoenas to the Office of the New York State Attorney General v. United States

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71844954/in-re-grand-jury-subpoenas-to-the-office-of-the-new-york-state-attorney/

US v. Comey

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459121/united-states-v-comey/

US v. Rabbit [Abughazaleh]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71795281/united-states-v-rabbitt/

LULAC v. Trump [Voter Registration]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69823792/league-of-united-latin-american-citizens-v-executive-office-of-the/

US v. Dunn [Sandwich man]

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.284294

Oregon v. Trump

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481149/state-of-oregon-v-trump/?order_by=desc

Lively v. Wayfarer

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69510553/lively-v-wayfarer-studios-llc/?order_by=desc

Show Links:

https://www.lawandchaospod.com/

BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod

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The psychopaths running the government are not going to let a crisis go to waste. They're taking advantage of the shutdown to cut SNAP benefits and fire civil servants — or they would if courts would let them. Plus, the Ninth Circuit and even the Supreme Court (GASP!) are putting the kibosh on Trump's plan to flood blue states with troops. And still, Lindsey Halligan, the wannabe US Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, is finding new and creative ways to screw up the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.

Links:

Massachusetts v. USDA [SNAP benefits]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71783393/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-v-united-states-department-of-agriculture/

AFGE-AFL CIO v. US [shutdown RIFs]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71502325/american-federation-of-government-employees-afl-cio-v-united-states

Drake v. UMG [trial docket]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69546009/graham-v-umg-recordings-inc

Oregon v. Trump [Ninth Circuit]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71554902/state-of-oregon-et-al-v-trump-et-al

SCOTUS Docket: Chicago Troop Deployment

https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/25a443.html

US v. Comey

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459120/united-states-v-comey/?order_by=desc

US v. Ramirez [Essayli]

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71166841/united-states-v-ramirez/?order_by=desc

Show Links:

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BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod

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