Blanche Loses as Judge Denies Stay of Order Requiring Epstein Foreign-Language Docs To Be Produced!
Summary
Michael Popok analyzes a late-night ruling in the Katie Fang v. DOJ case, where Judge Sullivan denied a motion to stay the production of foreign-language Epstein files due to procedural failures. Popok highlights that the DOJ breached local rules by failing to confer with opposing counsel and argues the government’s delay is an attempt to hide documents. He predicts the outcome of the subsequent appeal to the D.C. Circuit will depend on the composition of the judicial panel, while noting that the broader litigation regarding millions of pages of files continues in the district court.
Topics discussed
Breaking: Judge Sullivan denies DOJ motion to stay Epstein files order
Michael Popock introduces the legal analysis of the ruling
Procedural flaws: Lack of notice and independent grounds for denial
Two-day extension granted to file appeal with DC Circuit
Prediction on DC Circuit panel composition and likely outcome
Katie Fang's filing: Four reasons supporting the denial of stay
DOJ concession that foreign language documents are not exempt
Reason 1: Failure to meet and confer per Local Rule 7(m)
Reason 2: Stay targets enforcement order, not underlying injunction
Waiver and acquiescence: Preliminary injunction never appealed
Reason 3: Motion is untimely after three months of delay
Reason 4: Failure to meet high bar for extraordinary remedy
Judge's ruling: Denial based on failure to confer with opposing counsel
Merits analysis: Court stands by September 16th preliminary injunction
Temporary stay of order to allow filing with DC Court of Appeals
Next steps: Joint motion required after appellate court decision
Case progression: District court continues while appeal is pending
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