May 15, 2026

From the safeguarding of presidential records to high-stakes court rulings, this week’s roundup from Howard Bashman’s "How Appealing" blog provides a snapshot into the intricate world of appellate litigation. Here are some of the key stories that have defined this week’s legal landscape.
Presidential Papers and Constitutional Queries
The question of whether former President Donald Trump can destroy his presidential records has once again surfaced. A law established post-Watergate asserts that presidential records remain government property. However, the Trump administration has challenged this as unconstitutional. Ruth Marcus explores this constitutional clash in her detailed essay featured in The New Yorker.
Judicial Skepticism Over Trump’s Orders
In another twist involving Trump, a three-judge panel appears unconvinced by the former president's attempts to coerce law firms into compliance with administration policies. Zach Montague of The New York Times reports on the courtroom dynamics, where the judges showed little support for Trump’s orders during the proceedings.
A Swift Move Towards Attorney General
In the Justice Department, acting head Todd Blanche is making bold moves that could pave his way to becoming the next Attorney General. His actions have already won some admiration within the White House, according to a report by Sadie Gurman and C. Ryan Barber of The Wall Street Journal.
Freedom on Bond for Richard Glossip
After years on death row, Richard Glossip has been granted temporary freedom on a $500,000 bond. The former Oklahoma inmate has been behind bars since 1997 on charges of murder-for-hire. Nolan Clay of The Oklahoman provides a detailed account of Glossip’s long-awaited release.
Supreme Support for Trucker’s Injury Suit
The Supreme Court has shown sympathy towards a truck driver involved in a 2017 accident that resulted in amputation. The justices are now probing who is responsible for negligent hiring practices in this case. Kelsey Reichmann of Courthouse News Service offers insights into the justices’ perspectives on this significant suit.
A Dangerous Precedent in Voting Rights
Columnist Jamelle Bouie raises concerns about a potentially perilous shift in voting rights, spotlighted in his essay for The New York Times. The discourse around the Callais voting rights case and its implications for the Roberts Court signals a critical juncture for electoral jurisprudence.
These stories provide a glimpse into the ongoing and dynamic debates within the realm of appellate litigation, highlighting the profound impact these legal battles have on governance and justice. For further details on these cases and more, visit Howard Bashman's "How Appealing" blog.