Author Archive
Oversight
Special counsels, like the one leading the Justice Department’s investigation of Hunter Biden, are intended to be independent − but they aren’t entirely
Ensuring impartiality in the Justice Department can be difficult, as the attorney general is appointed by – and answerable to – a partisan president.
Oversight
Special Counsels, like Those Examining Biden’s and Trump’s Handling of Classified Documents, Are Intended to Be Independent – but They Aren’t Entirely
Special counsels can help administrations avoid the perception of bias, but politics is never fully out of the picture.
Oversight
Special Counsels, like the One Leading the Department of Justice’s Investigation of Trump, Are Intended to Be Independent – but They Aren’t Entirely
Special counsels are not entirely independent, but they do still help administrations avoid the perception of bias.
Oversight
President’s Authority Over DOJ Jeopardizes Independence
How much influence should a president have over the Justice Department? The answer is central to the success of America’s democratic experiment.
Oversight
Will Merrick Garland, Joe Biden’s Pick for Attorney General, Be Independent in that Role? History Says It’s Unlikely
History shows that attorneys general who are picked by – and serve at the pleasure of – the president are not as independent as they may be expected to be.
Management
Biden’s Special Counsel Problem
Attorney General William Barr directed U.S. Attorney John Durham to investigate the FBI’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. What it means and how we got here.
Management
Viewpoint: Barr’s Election Memo Shows Perils of an AG Subordinate to the President
When the Justice Department is headed by an attorney general whose first priority is presidential piety, the independence of the position—and the department—will be questioned.
Management
The Justice Dept Must Clarify Who it Serves: The People or the President
Research shows the abuse of power is more common in countries where the president and the attorney general are political allies.
Oversight
Analysis: Should the President Pick the Attorney General?
Attorneys general who serve at the pleasure of the president are more likely to act in pursuit of a particular political agenda, rather than solely in accordance with the rule of law.
