Advisory Opinions Case Against Comey Dismissed
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Nov 25, 2025 Unravel the details of the dismissal of criminal charges against James Comey and the implications of the Texas redistricting case. Dive into the complexities of the Vacancies Reform Act and whether the government can refile charges. Discover the tensions between partisan and racial gerrymandering, and the significance of GVR orders regarding the Confrontation Clause. Additionally, explore border metering and the practical realities of asylum policies alongside a sprinkle of Thanksgiving reflections.
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Alito's Stay Signals Status Quo Choice
- Justice Alito stayed the lower-court order in Texas redistricting and signaled the 2025 maps may be the status quo for now.
- The dispute centers on whether the maps are racial gerrymanders or partisan maps and on DOJ involvement.
Severability Clause Creates Time Crunch
- Texas included a severability clause preventing reversion to the 2021 maps if 2025 maps are struck down, forcing new maps under extreme time pressure.
- Purcell doctrine and election timing create real risk that new maps cannot be implemented before filings.
GVR Requires Case-Specific Confrontation Findings
- The Supreme Court issued a GVR on a confrontation-clause case, instructing courts to make fact-specific findings before using screening devices.
- Even constitutional errors may be subject to harmless-error review, so relief isn't automatic.
