October 17, 2025


Legal Labyrinth: Key Developments from the How Appealing Weekly Roundup

In this week’s How Appealing roundup, the legal landscape continues to shift with pivotal developments from the Supreme Court to personal stances against political figures.

SCOTUS to Reevaluate Independent Agency Protection in Trump v. Slaughter

Nick Bednar provides a crucial update via the Lawfare blog on the Supreme Court’s decision to reconsider the precedent set by Humphrey’s Executor, which currently safeguards independent federal agencies from undue influence. This case could redefine the balance of power within federal agencies, marking a significant turn in administrative law.

A Resignation Over Constitutional Concerns

Doug Krugman shares a compelling narrative in The Washington Post about his resignation from the military, citing an inability to support a commander-in-chief who, in his view, compromises constitutional values. This personal testament adds a human element to the ongoing debate about leadership and loyalty in federal service.

Trump’s Continued Influence on Law Enforcement

The New York Times' Glenn Thrush analyzes a recent display of power by former President Trump, who publicly named more adversaries he wishes to see prosecuted while current officials observed silently. This incident raises alarming questions about the independence of law enforcement agencies under political pressure.

Tax Fraud Allegations Face SCOTUSblog’s Co-Founder

Bloomberg Law’s Mallory Culhane reports on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland’s decision to proceed with tax fraud charges against Tom Goldstein, co-founder of SCOTUSblog. As the legal community watches closely, this case could have implications for Goldstein and the perception of legal commentary platforms.

Debating Judicial Supremacy in American Democracy

Jonathan F. Mitchell’s recent contribution to the Democracy Project at NYU Law delves into the contentious issue of judicial supremacy versus democratic principles in the United States. This discussion is crucial as it explores the balance of power among the branches of government.

Trump Considers Attending Supreme Court Tariff Hearing

According to Bloomberg News reporters Lauren Dezenski and Greg Stohr, former President Trump suggested he might attend a Supreme Court hearing concerning tariffs, highlighting his ongoing influence and interest in legal proceedings that involve his administration's policies.

Each story from the How Appealing roundup not only sheds light on the current legal debates and dilemmas but also underscores the broader implications of these issues on governance, democracy, and the rule of law. For more detailed coverage and additional stories, visit Howard Bashman’s How Appealing blog.