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Conservative Judge writes scathing opinion and issues dire warning about the lawless administration [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-04-17
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals today unanimously rejected the DOJ's request to block orders that the trump administration facilitate the release of wrongly deported/abducted immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
The decision, written by Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III, a Reagan-appointee and with a very conservative record, has some scathing words for this administration, calling it out for its “lawlessless” and disregard for the judicial system. It goes further beyond and shouts out the quiet part that many Democrats have been saying — that the administration is headed towards lawlessness and its behavior is a danger to the future of this country.
In the end, it appeals to the better angels of the administration and hopes that “our good brethren in the Executive Branch (will) perceive the rule of law as vital to the American ethos.”
Here are some highlights of the opinion written by Judge Wilkinson extracted from the full document.
The words in the opinion are reverberating on social media. Here are a few reactions -
x This is indeed incredible. “Conservative judge” doesn’t quite cut it as a description of Wilkinson. He is one of the most deferential-to-government-power judges in the country. When he writes like Justice Sotomayor it’s signs-and-wonders level. — Evan Bernick, a finite mode with a resolute floof (@evanbernick.bsky.social) 2025-04-17T20:49:18.913Z
Harry Litman -
x The seven page Wilkinson opinion is not only magnificent, but it is an absolute marker of the times, however things develop. Lawyers and non-lawyer alike should read this, as future high school students will. Seriously. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us... — Harry Litman (@harrylitman.bsky.social) 2025-04-17T20:05:25.045Z
What next?
Will the MSM and social media spread this message and explain its importance to the general public?
Will trump or one his minions dare to attack Judge Wilkinson in a late night rant?
Will this help other judges including the SCOTUS fully appreciate the danger to our nation from this administration’s lawlessness and embolden them to stand up for the rule of law?
Will Democratic leaders use this as an opportunity to influence public opinion and flip votes towards Democratic candidates?
What should we activists do besides writing about it and discussing with friends and family?
Your thoughts.
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