University of Wisconsin–Madison

Author: tdacruz

‘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 alleged corruption, based on complaints from a group with far-right ties, triggering concerns about judicial politicization. Sánchez’s government has proposed …

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 General Pamela Bondi, denounces recent actions as deliberate efforts to intimidate judges who have ruled against the administration. The arrest …

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. Speaking in Buffalo at an event marking the 125th anniversary of the federal courts in Western New York, Roberts emphasized …

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 General Pamela Bondi, denounces recent actions as deliberate efforts to intimidate judges who have ruled against the administration. The arrest …

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. Filed by the Vance Center for International Justice, the petition highlights how the reform—enacted under former President Andrés Manuel López …

‘Hands Off Our Courts’: California Attorneys Rally Against Trump Administration

On May 1, 2025, attorneys across California rallied in defense of judicial independence as part of the national Law Day of Action. In cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, lawyers gathered to oppose the Trump administration’s attacks on the judiciary, chanting slogans like “Hands off our courts” and reaffirming their oath to uphold …

These judges ruled against Trump. Then their families came under attack

A new Reuters investigation has uncovered a disturbing wave of threats and harassment directed at U.S. federal judges and their families after rulings against the Trump administration. At least 11 judges and their relatives have been targeted, with incidents ranging from online death threats and doxxing to bomb scares, “swatting” incidents, and anonymous pizza deliveries …

Top Lawyer Launches Firm to Defend Officials Targeted by Trump Administration

On May 2, 2025, prominent attorney Abbe Lowell—known for representing Hunter Biden—announced the launch of Lowell & Associates, a new law firm dedicated to defending former government officials and institutions facing politically motivated investigations under the Trump administration. The firm includes former lawyers from Skadden Arps and Winston & Strawn who left over concerns about …

Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Order Targeting Perkins Coie

On May 2, 2025, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell permanently struck down an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that targeted the law firm Perkins Coie. The order, which revoked security clearances and government access for all Perkins Coie employees, was ruled unconstitutional. Judge Howell emphasized the unprecedented nature of the order, stating …

Student Amicus Brief Signals Recruitment Troubles for Firms Making Deals With Trump

Over 1,100 law students—30% from top 14 law schools—signed an amicus brief supporting Susman Godfrey’s lawsuit challenging a Trump executive order that threatens its attorneys and clients. The brief signals growing student resistance toward Big Law firms that negotiated with the Trump administration for immunity from the order. Many students are now rethinking summer positions …