Amicus briefs in FBI termination challenges
We submitted amicus briefs in two lawsuits challenging the illegal termination of FBI agents, arguing that the FBI can function fairly only if it’s apolitical.
Sample press coverage (Associated Press): “Justice Connection, a network of department alumni, warned in its filing that a ‘politicized’ FBI could turn against citizens because of their speech, association or perceived disloyalty.”
Amicus brief in Maurene Comey’s termination challenge
Maurene Comey was fired from her job as a senior DOJ prosecutor, seemingly because she’s the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. We submitted an amicus brief arguing that the district court should retain Comey’s case instead of allowing a politically beholden Merit System Protection Board adjudicate it. On the day her father was indicted over a seashell photo, the federal district court in Maurene’s case agreed with our position.
Sample press coverage (NOTUS): “‘I think many of these cases may ultimately determine whether these terminations — based on nothing more than an unprecedented assertion of broad executive authority — are constitutional,’ said Stacey Young . . . . ‘This will determine whether civil service protection laws can indeed protect federal employees as Congress intended. It’ll determine whether our country will return to the spoils system of the 19th century where patronage and corruption ran rampant,’ she added.”
Amicus briefs in immigration judge termination challenges
In a case challenging the termination of DOJ immigration judges, we submitted two briefs: one asserting that the profound ramifications of the issue in question demand initial review en banc, and the other arguing that longstanding civil service protections must be uphold.
First amicus brief (arguing for en banc review)
Second amicus brief (arguing for protection of civil service protections)
Amicus brief in challenge to elimination of Community Relations Service
We joined an amicus brief arguing that DOJ’s decision to shutter the Community Relations Service – an office that, for over 60 years, de-escalated community tensions and reduced violence – is contrary to law and against the nation’s interests.
Sample news coverage (CBS News): “‘The Community Relations Service was designed to help de-escalate tensions like those we see in Minneapolis and Portland, and for decades it succeeded in that mission,’ said Stacey Young . . . . ‘For no logical reason, the administration discarded the experts who were best positioned to keep budding conflicts from turning violent. We’re seeing the consequences of that fateful decision.’”
Public comments on proposed NDA rule
We submitted formal comments opposing a proposed regulation that would require federal employees to sign NDAs, creating a blanket prohibition on disclosures that indiscriminately sweeps in speech protected by the First Amendment. We also rallied members of our alumni network to submit their own comments, and provided them with tools to do so.
Sample news coverage (Bloomberg): “‘It’s pretty clear that the purpose of [the proposed NDA rule] isn’t to protect individuals or serve the public interest,’ said Stacey Young, a former senior civil rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice who directs Justice Connection, a nonprofit that helps whistleblowers. ‘It’s to help the president avoid bad press and cover up abuses of power that only people on the inside can see and reveal.’”
Campaign to oppose proposed rule that would protect DOJ attorneys from state bar discipline
We developed comprehensive arguments for DOJ alumni to use when submitting their own comments opposing a proposed rule that asserts federal authority over the timing of state bar investigations of DOJ attorneys.
USA Today coverage: “Justice Connection . . . called the attorney general’s proposed rule ‘a dubious legal power grab’ and urged DOJ alumni to comment in opposition.”
