Blanche White Knuckles it as 11 Appeals Judges Decide Whether Judge Can Start Criminal Contempt Case
Summary
Michael Popock previews a critical DC federal appellate court hearing deciding whether Chief Judge Jeb Boasberg can proceed with criminal contempt charges against the Trump administration for violating a court order regarding the transfer of individuals to El Salvador. The episode analyzes the legal implications of the Supreme Court’s earlier jurisdictional vacatur and the lower court’s 2-1 ruling that blocked the contempt proceedings. Popock also highlights upcoming live streams of Jack Smith’s Senate testimony and the oral arguments, predicting the appellate court will likely reverse the …
Topics discussed
Overview of DC Appellate Court hearing on contempt
Key legal questions: Inherent authority and special prosecutors
Live stream schedule for oral arguments and testimony
Background: March 2026 TRO and El Salvador violations
Supreme Court vacatur on jurisdiction and compliance duties
Probable cause finding and initial 2-1 appellate ruling
ACLU motion for en banc rehearing and voting dynamics
Predictions for outcome and potential special prosecutor
Potential Supreme Court appeal and Judge Boasberg's profile
Upcoming events: Jack Smith testimony and final reminders
Promotion of Legal AF Substack and daily roundup
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