February 20, 2026


Exploring the Week's Top Legal Discussions in the How Appealing Weekly Roundup

In the ever-evolving landscape of legal discourse, the How Appealing blog, a pioneer dedicated to appellate litigation, offers a curated selection of this week's most impactful stories. Here's a glimpse into the legal dynamics shaping our world.

Trump's Tariff Strategy Faces Scrutiny at the Supreme Court

An editorial from The Washington Post highlights new economic data that could potentially weaken former President Donald Trump's defense in a Supreme Court case regarding his tariff policies. Despite the implementation of new tariffs, the real goods trade deficit has notably increased, setting the stage for a complex legal debate about the effectiveness and implications of such economic strategies.

Alan Dershowitz Revisits Press Freedom Landmark Case

In a dramatic turn of events, Adam Liptak of The New York Times reports on Alan Dershowitz's latest legal endeavor. Dershowitz, an influential figure in the drafting of the landmark New York Times v. Sullivan case, is now advocating for the Supreme Court to reconsider or potentially dismantle this foundational press freedom case. This move has sparked a wide array of responses and concerns about the future of journalistic protections.

Legal Shuffles and Ideological Battles Over Abortion Pill Legislation

David Thomas of Reuters covers the recent career move of a prominent lawyer involved in the ongoing abortion pill legal battles. By joining the conservative law firm Lex Politica, this lawyer's shift marks a significant ideological stance and could influence future legal strategies surrounding reproductive rights.

Proposals to Protect the DOJ from Political Interference

Barbara McQuade, a law professor, pens a compelling essay in Bloomberg Opinion, discussing strategies to safeguard the Department of Justice from potential political manipulation. Drawing from recent historical precedents, McQuade outlines necessary reforms to ensure the DOJ operates with integrity and independence, irrespective of the political landscape.

Military Lawfare and Legal Education

An upcoming editorial in The Wall Street Journal discusses Judge Leon's recent ruling, which serves as a significant educational moment about the application of military legal principles in civilian contexts. Pete Hegseth's legal defeat is highlighted as a case study in the misuse of military lawfare, shedding light on broader legal and ethical considerations.

Rethinking The Structure of the Supreme Court

Jeffrey Toobin contributes a thought-provoking guest essay in The New York Times, proposing a radical restructuring of the Supreme Court. This proposal aims to address current criticisms and improve the court's functioning and fairness. Toobin’s insights suggest a transformative approach that could reshape how the highest court in the land operates.

The How Appealing blog continues to serve as a crucial platform for discussing these pressing legal issues. For more in-depth analysis and updates on these stories, visit the How Appealing blog online.