PROTECTING THE RULE OF LAW
U.S. v. Adams
Three former U.S. Attorneys ask the Court to protect the rule of law after the Department of Justice’s extraordinary request to dismiss the prosecution.
THE IMPACT
An independent justice system is a defining feature of the rule of law in America. The Court’s appointment of outside counsel – as recommended in our brief – sets an important precedent that protects our system from unchecked executive overreach.
THE BRIEF
Following the U.S. Department of Justice’s request to dismiss the prosecution of United States v. Eric Adams, three former U.S. Attorneys filed a friend-of-the-court brief to protect the rule of law. The brief urged the Court to examine the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the request, and to appoint outside counsel to analyze the facts and relevant law. After a hearing on the matter, in a second amicus filing on February 20, 2025, the three U.S. Attorneys again advised the Court to “appoint counsel to investigate the events surrounding the request for dismissal or to present a factual and legal analysis.” On February 21, 2025, the Court appointed outside counsel as recommended by the former U.S. Attorneys.
THE TEAM
The former U.S. Attorneys – John S. Martin, Jr. (Southern District of New York), Robert J. Cleary (District of New Jersey), and Deirdre M. Daly (District of Connecticut) – are represented pro bono by Free + Fair.
CASE DOCUMENTS
Featured Press
The filing was made by lawyers with the pro bono firm Free and Fair Litigation Group who asked Judge Ho to accept the submission as a “friend of the court” brief. In it, they argue in support of his authority to conduct a factual inquiry into the Justice Department’s actions.
THE NEW YORK TIMES February 17, 2025
