POLITICS

Appeals Court Bars Habba From Serving As NJ U.S. Attorney

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Left 14%

Center 71%

Rigt 14%

Sources: 7

Philadelphia. A federal appeals court on Monday affirmed a lower court ruling disqualifying Alina Habba, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, from serving as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. The 3rd U.S. Circuit heard oral arguments Oct. 20 and cited the administration’s attempts to keep Habba in place after her interim appointment expired; a district judge had found she served without lawful authority beginning in July. The Justice Department had appealed after three defendants challenged her appointment under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. Habba said she would continue her advocacy. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Timeline

Early July: Habba was appointed to temporarily lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey.
August: U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann ruled Habba served without lawful authority and disqualified her.
After the August ruling: Three criminal defendants challenged the appointment under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and sought indictment dismissals.
Oct. 20: The 3rd Circuit held oral arguments with Habba present.
This week: The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s disqualification in a 32-page opinion.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

Senate confirmation process and career prosecutors obtained clearer legal boundaries, increasing procedural certainty and reinforcing the role of Senate oversight in U.S. Attorney appointments.

Who Suffered

Alina Habba and the Trump administration suffered a legal setback when the appeals court affirmed her disqualification, undermining the administration’s mechanism for temporarily installing unconfirmed attorneys.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news, the 3rd Circuit affirmed a district court disqualification of Alina Habba for serving without lawful authority after an expired interim appointment; defendants challenged under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, prompting DOJ appeal and renewed scrutiny of appointment practices and potential case dismissals.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 14%, Center 71%, Right 14%

Who Benefited

Senate confirmation process and career prosecutors obtained clearer legal boundaries, increasing procedural certainty and reinforcing the role of Senate oversight in U.S. Attorney appointments.

Who Suffered

Expert Opinion