On Friday, a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump‘s executive order targeting legal firm Susman Godfrey, ruling it was “unconstitutional from beginning to end.”
This is the fourth defeat in court Trump has suffered since imposing punitive measures on a number of law firms that either were involved in legal cases against him or represented his political rivals.
Newsweek contacted the White House and Susman Godfrey for comment on Saturday outside of regular office hours via email and telephone respectively.
Why It Matters
In March, Trump issued a slew of executive orders targeting law firms resulting in a number taking legal action, though others struck deals with the White House which saw them agree to do unpaid work on behalf of causes the president supports.
Critics argued Trump’s move was unconstitutional and an assault on free expression, whilst the White House said it was needed to combat what it termed “dishonest” activity.
What To Know
The executive orders Trump imposed on various law firms, including Susman Godfrey, featured a number of punitive measures such as blocking their employees access to government buildings, terminating government contracts and suspending security clearance.
Friday saw District Judge Loren AliKhan conclude that in the case of Susman Godfrey, Trump’s order was “unconstitutional from beginning to end.”
She said: “Every court to have considered a challenge to one of these orders has found grave constitutional violations and permanently enjoined enforcement of the order in full.
“Today, this court follows suit, concluding that the order targeting Susman violates the U.S. Constitution and must be permanently enjoined.”
Trump’s executive order targeting Susman Godfrey was already the subject of a temporary restraining order issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on April 15.
Susman Godfrey is the fourth law firm targeted by Trump’s executive orders that has successfully fought to get them blocked in court, following Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale. The rulings were issued by judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents.
What People Are Saying
In a statement, Susman Godfrey said: “The Court’s ruling is a resounding victory for the rule of law and the right of every American to be represented by legal counsel without fear of retaliation.
“We applaud the Court for declaring the administration’s order unconstitutional. Our firm is committed to the rule of law and to protecting the rights of our clients without regard to their political or other beliefs. Susman Godfrey’s lawyers and staff live these values every day.”
In his ruling on WilmerHale’s case, Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, said: “The cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting.
“The Founding Fathers knew this! Accordingly, they took pains to enshrine in the Constitution certain rights that would serve as the foundation for that independence.”
What Happens Next
Friday’s judgement means the executive order targeting Susman Godfrey will not go into effect. The Trump administration has not said whether it plans to appeal.
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