August 8, 2025


Legal Landscapes: Pivotal Court Decisions and High-Stakes Trials Shape the Week

In this week's edition of the How Appealing Weekly Roundup, we delve into several high-profile legal stories that are influencing the judiciary landscape across the United States. From delayed trials of Supreme Court justices to critical decisions impacting immigration policies and gun rights, the legal system continues to demonstrate both its complexity and its critical role in societal governance.

The trial of Supreme Court Judge Hantz Marconi, which has gripped public attention, faces delays. Paul Feely from The New Hampshire Union Leader provides coverage on the latest developments surrounding the indicted judge, whose proceedings have stalled, prompting discussions on judicial accountability and the legal processes that come into play when a judge is on the other side of the bench.

In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly has made a significant judicial appointment, selecting a Leawood attorney to fill a vacancy on the Kansas Supreme Court. Tim Carpenter of Kansas Reflector reports on this development, marking Governor Kelly’s fourth appointment to the state's highest court. This move could potentially shift the ideological balance of the court and influence future legal decisions in Kansas.

Turning to national issues, the Department of Justice has announced its intention to urge the Supreme Court to promptly decide on the constitutionality of former President Trump's birthright citizenship order. CNN’s Devan Cole discusses the implications of this fast-track request, which underscores the ongoing debate over immigration law and constitutional rights.

Additionally, former President Trump seeks intervention from the Supreme Court concerning immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Adam Liptak of The New York Times details the request to lift restrictions imposed by a lower court, which had previously curtailed agents from making indiscriminate stops based on racial profiling or language.

Moreover, the Sixth Circuit's recent ruling that the Second Amendment does not cover machine guns has sparked a significant conversation about gun rights and public safety. Destiny DeVooght of Courthouse News Service elaborates on how this decision upheld a conviction and potentially set a precedent that limits the scope of the Second Amendment.

Lastly, The New York Times features a poignant essay by columnist David French titled "This Is No Way to Run a Country," which explores the perils faced by federal judges amid increasing threats and fear for personal safety. French’s narrative sheds light on the daunting challenges that come with upholding justice in today's politically charged environment.

For more in-depth analysis and updates on these stories, visit Howard Bashman’s How Appealing blog, a pioneering platform dedicated to appellate litigation news.