Bloomberg Law Weekend Law: Bolton Indicted, Voting Rights & Reagan Judges
Oct 18, 2025
Mark Zaid, a national security attorney, delves into John Bolton's indictment under the Espionage Act, highlighting key legal challenges and implications. Richard Briffault, an elections law expert, discusses the Supreme Court’s upcoming decisions on the Voting Rights Act, predicting significant shifts in redistricting policies. Jacqueline Thomsen, a reporter focused on the judiciary, reveals how Reagan-appointed judges are increasingly critical of the Trump administration, showcasing a fascinating evolution in conservative judicial philosophy.
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Petraeus Case As A Useful Parallel
- Mark Zaid compared Bolton's case to General Petraeus, who shared classified material with an unauthorized recipient.
- Petraeus received probation and a fine, illustrating plea outcomes common in similar prosecutions.
Stronger Team Signals A Serious Prosecution
- The Bolton indictment is more detailed and staffed by career national-security prosecutors, unlike other recent politically charged indictments.
- Prosecutors reserve Espionage Act cases for matters they believe they can win, indicating seriousness here.
Use Pretrial Motions To Test Prosecution
- Expect vigorous prepublication-review and classification motions from Bolton's defense to force government disclosures.
- Use selective and vindictive prosecution motions to probe timing and political motives.
