US district Judge Beryl Howell struck down President Donald Trump's executive order targeting Perkins Coie on Friday evening, calling his actions against the law firm "an unprecedented attack."
Howell delivered a comprehensive 102-page verdict, strongly criticising Trump and describing his actions against Perkins Coie and stated: "No American President has ever before issued executive orders like the one at issue in this lawsuit targeting a prominent law firm with adverse actions to be executed by all Executive branch agencies but, in purpose and effect, this action draws from a playbook as old as Shakespeare, who penned the phrase: 'The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.'"
This verdict marks the initial instance where a judge has permanently halted Trump's attempts to target a legal firm. The president has recently attempted to penalise approximately twelve firms through executive orders for various grievances. Whilst four firms, including Perkins Coie, have contested these actions legally, most have negotiated agreements with the White House to avoid confrontation, MSBNC reported.
Trump's March executive order against Perkins Coie was partially motivated by the firm's previous representation of Hillary Clinton during her 2016 campaign. The order cancelled security clearances for the firm's staff, limited their government building access and terminated their government contracts.
Howell noted in her ruling that although other firms have conceded to Trump, courts can only assess legal merits when lawyers "make the choice to challenge rather than back down when confronted with government action."
Perkins Coie released a statement celebrating Howell's ruling as an affirmation of fundamental constitutional liberties , including freedom of speech, due process, and the right to choose legal representation without fear of retaliation.
The Justice Department has not yet responded to MSNBC's enquiries regarding potential appeals against Howell's decision.
Howell delivered a comprehensive 102-page verdict, strongly criticising Trump and describing his actions against Perkins Coie and stated: "No American President has ever before issued executive orders like the one at issue in this lawsuit targeting a prominent law firm with adverse actions to be executed by all Executive branch agencies but, in purpose and effect, this action draws from a playbook as old as Shakespeare, who penned the phrase: 'The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.'"
This verdict marks the initial instance where a judge has permanently halted Trump's attempts to target a legal firm. The president has recently attempted to penalise approximately twelve firms through executive orders for various grievances. Whilst four firms, including Perkins Coie, have contested these actions legally, most have negotiated agreements with the White House to avoid confrontation, MSBNC reported.
Trump's March executive order against Perkins Coie was partially motivated by the firm's previous representation of Hillary Clinton during her 2016 campaign. The order cancelled security clearances for the firm's staff, limited their government building access and terminated their government contracts.
Howell noted in her ruling that although other firms have conceded to Trump, courts can only assess legal merits when lawyers "make the choice to challenge rather than back down when confronted with government action."
Perkins Coie released a statement celebrating Howell's ruling as an affirmation of fundamental constitutional liberties , including freedom of speech, due process, and the right to choose legal representation without fear of retaliation.
The Justice Department has not yet responded to MSNBC's enquiries regarding potential appeals against Howell's decision.
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