December 19, 2025

DC Circuit to Likely Dismiss Peter Navarro’s Appeal on Executive Privilege
The DC Circuit is poised to reject Peter Navarro’s contempt appeal, which hinges on a broad theory of executive privilege. This development comes after the Justice Department, under the current administration, opted not to defend the conviction, marking a significant shift in stance from its previous position. Details of the court's leanings were reported by Ryan Knappenberger of Courthouse News Service.
Amul Thapar Eyes Supreme Court Seat with Anti-Immigrant Legal Theories
In an ambitious move, Appeals Court Judge Amul Thapar has crafted a new legal theory that aligns closely with former President Trump's anti-immigrant agenda, possibly in a bid to secure a nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. This analysis was discussed in depth by Madiba K. Dennie in an essay featured on Balls and Strikes.
Allegations of Bias at SCOTUSblog
SCOTUSblog, a long-respected legal analysis site, has been accused of veering into MAGA territory, according to Jonathan Zasloff’s recent post at LegalPlanet. This shift has sparked discussions concerning the blog's objectivity and its influence on public understanding of the Supreme Court’s activities.
New Judges Appointed to Oversee 9/11 Military Case at Guantánamo
The notorious Sept. 11 case at Guantánamo Bay sees a new panel of judges taking over, following a prolonged hiatus caused by appeals and the retirement of a previous judge. Carol Rosenberg of The New York Times provides a detailed report on these latest judicial developments.
Challenging Evidence in Luigi Mangione’s Murder Case
Luigi Mangione’s legal team faces a daunting challenge in suppressing crucial evidence from a marathon hearing. Insights from a former Brooklyn prosecutor suggest that the evidence found in Mangione's backpack is likely to be admitted, given its potential significance in the murder case. Erik Uebelacker of Courthouse News Service covers the intricate details of this ongoing legal battle.
TikTok Nears Deal to Avoid U.S. Ban
In a significant move to continue its operations in the United States, TikTok has reached agreements with Oracle and two other investment firms. This step is crucial for the Chinese-owned video app as it navigates the complexities of international business and regulatory challenges. Emmett Lindner of The New York Times reports on this developing story.
Judicial Harassment Exposed by U.S. District Judge Esther Salas
Judge Esther Salas has publicly addressed the troubling issue of “pizza doxxing” aimed at judges, which bizarrely involves her deceased son’s name. She discusses this disturbing trend and its implications for judicial independence and safety in an Opinion Video for The New York Times.
For more in-depth analysis and updates on these stories, visit Howard Bashman’s How Appealing blog, a dedicated resource for appellate litigation news.