In a major blow to judicial independence, President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have formally subordinated Nicaragua’s courts to the National Police, according to a leaked directive requiring police approval for all court-ordered …
Month: May 2025
Council of Europe convention on protecting lawyers opens for signature
In a landmark move for the legal profession, the Council of Europe has opened for signature the first-ever international treaty dedicated to protecting lawyers: the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer. The …
Race to lead D.C. lawyers’ association grows heated amid attacks on law firms
The election for president of the D.C. Bar Association—a traditionally administrative position—has become unexpectedly heated, drawing record voter turnout and national attention. Candidates Brad Bondi, a prominent securities lawyer and brother of Trump’s former attorney …
Trump Taps Judge Jeanine For Key DOJ Role After Consulting Evening Cable Lineup
On May 9, 2025, Donald Trump appointed Judge Jeanine Pirro, a former TV personality and county judge, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, after withdrawing Ed Martin from consideration. Martin, previously …
Justice Sonia Sotomayor says lawyers should stand up and fight amid turmoil in nation’s legal system
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a powerful call to action, urging lawyers to defend the legal system amid escalating political attacks on judges and legal institutions. Speaking at an American Bar Association event in Washington, she …
‘Lawfare’ in Spain: the cases against the Sánchez family
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accused far-right groups and segments of the judiciary of engaging in “lawfare”—using legal mechanisms to pursue politically motivated cases—against his wife and brother. Both are under investigation for …
Retired judges criticize Trump admin over arrest of Milwaukee County judge: ‘Embarrassing spectacle’
More than 150 retired state and federal judges have signed a letter condemning the Trump Administration’s arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan and escalating threats against the judiciary. The letter, addressed to Attorney …
Chief Justice Roberts says judicial independence is key to checking Congress and the president
Amid growing political attacks on the judiciary, U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered a firm defense of judicial independence, stating that an autonomous judiciary is essential to balance the powers of Congress and the presidency. …
Judges Condemn Arrest of Wisconsin Judge and Attacks on Judicial Independence
More than 150 retired state and federal judges have signed a letter condemning the Trump Administration’s arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan and escalating threats against the judiciary. The letter, addressed to Attorney …
Mexican Federal Judges File Human Rights Petition to IACHR on Recent Judicial Reform: Vance Center Files on Judges’ Behalf
Fourteen current and former Mexican federal judges have filed a human rights petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), alleging that Mexico’s controversial 2024 judicial reform violated their rights and undermined judicial independence. …