D.C. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan issued an order Tuesday indicating that he’ll soon accept “amicus curiae,” or “friend of the court” submissions, in the case of former national security adviser Michael Flynn — essentially allowing the court to use an “ask the audience” lifeline in what has already proved to be an unpredictable and chaotic prosecution.
Sullivan’s minute order indicated that an upcoming scheduling order would clarify the parameters of who specifically could submit the amicus briefs, which are submissions by non-parties that claim an interest in the case. Sullivan specifically said he anticipates that “individuals and organizations” will file briefs “for the benefit of the court.”
The move attracted some immediate criticism. The Federalist’s Sean Davis, for example, cautioned that Sullivan was inviting “left-wing lawyers write his final order against Flynn for him.”
BREAKING: U.S. Officials Have Declassified List Of Obama Officials Who Were Involved In ‘Unmasking’ General Flynn | The Daily Wire https://t.co/0ErKG7XMz8
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 12, 2020
Two thousand former federal prosecutors and DOJ alumni agree:
In dismissing the Flynn case, Bill Barr “has once again assaulted the rule of law.”
This former prosecutor agrees.
Barr has turned the DOJ into a political weapon to be wielded by the President.
He should resign. https://t.co/b8D4GxgzOG
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) May 11, 2020