US court disqualifies Trump's former lawyer Alina Habba as prosecutor
What's the story
Alina Habba, a former personal lawyer for Donald Trump, has been disqualified from serving as the US attorney for New Jersey. The decision was made by a panel of judges from the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, according to the Associated Press. The court affirmed a lower court's ruling that had earlier disqualified Habba from the position due to legal and personnel maneuvers used during her appointment.
Ruling details
Court affirms lower court's disqualification order
The court's decision came after hearing oral arguments on October 20, where Habba was present. The panel, made up of two judges appointed by former President George W Bush and one appointed by former President Barack Obama, sided with the initial ruling. The court concluded its 32-page opinion by affirming the District Court's disqualification order, stating that "the citizens of New Jersey and the loyal employees in the US Attorney's Office deserve some clarity and stability."
Appointment scrutiny
Habba's controversial appointment and legal challenges
Habba's appointment as US attorney was mired in controversy from the start. She had previously expressed her desire to "turn New Jersey red" politically in an interview with a right-wing influencer. During her tenure, she filed a trespassing charge against Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and an assault charge against Democratic US Rep. LaMonica McIver; both cases were criticized for their political overtones.
DOJ stance
Justice Department's response and ongoing legal battles
The Justice Department has indicated plans to appeal the rulings that dismissed charges against Comey and James. The judges who ruled on Habba's case were D Brooks Smith, D Michael Fisher, and Luis Felipe Restrepo. This ruling adds to ongoing legal battles involving Trump administration prosecutors, including a similar disqualification in Nevada.