Radio Atlantic Weaponizing the Justice Department
53 snips
Oct 2, 2025 
Quinta Jurecic, an Atlantic staff writer known for her insights into legal matters, teams up with Benjamin Wittes, editor in chief of Lawfare, to delve into the current weaponization of the Justice Department. They examine how the Trump administration may exploit DOJ norms to target political enemies. The discussion covers the implications of indictments, the breakdown of post-Watergate reforms, and potential threats to less-protected individuals. They also explore the chilling effects of executive directives and the role of civil society in counteracting potential abuses.
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EDVA Turnover And A New Prosecutor
- Quinta Jurecic recounts the U.S. attorney for EDVA resigning rather than bring this prosecution.
- Trump then installed Lindsay Halligan, who secured two of three grand-jury counts on her third day.
Grand Juries As Unexpected Check
- Grand juries and local courts have pushed back against overreaching prosecutions in recent politically charged cases.
- Quinta Jurecic highlights that grand juries have declined or reduced many charges, showing institutional resistance.
Protections Become Visible When Threatened
- Civil-liberties protections like the grand jury reemerge when prosecutors attempt extreme actions.
- Benjamin Wittes says dormant safeguards regain significance when abused prosecutors push boundaries.
