Politics
Judge rules Trump-appointed California prosecutor Essayli unlawfully serving in role
The Guardian reports a federal judge disqualified Bill Essayli from two prosecutions, though the order is not yet in effect pending appeal.
The short version
- A federal judge ruled that Bill Essayli was unlawfully serving as head of the US attorney's office in southern California, according to The Guardian.[The Guardian]
- Essayli is disqualified from overseeing two ongoing criminal prosecutions.[The Guardian]
- The order will not immediately take effect, and the Justice Department has said it intends to appeal.[The Guardian]
- Essayli says he respectfully disagrees and will keep serving until the Supreme Court decides the question.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- A US judge ruled on Tuesday that Bill Essayli was unlawfully serving as head of the US attorney's office in southern California.[The Guardian]
- Essayli was disqualified from overseeing two criminal prosecutions.[The Guardian]
- The Justice Department has said it intends to appeal, and the order will not immediately go into effect.[The Guardian]
- Essayli said he respectfully disagrees with the court's order and will serve in his role until the Supreme Court decides the question.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- It is unresolved whether the disqualification will stand, because the order is not immediately effective and the Justice Department plans to appeal.[The Guardian]
- Essayli's position that the Supreme Court will decide the matter is his own view, and the reporting does not establish how the appeal will proceed.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.