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Michael Avitzur

@mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social
72 followers 171 following 68 posts

Government Relations Director for the Boston Bar Ass'n. I post about policies affecting the legal profession, access to justice, and the law (sometimes movies). Views are my own.

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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Frightening, but important, article from Mass. Lawyers Weekly on threats to judicial security: masslawyersweekly.com/2025/05/16/j...
masslawyersweekly.com
Judges face rising threats amid political rhetoric | Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Federal and state judges face unprecedented online threats as political rhetoric escalates, prompting calls for increased security and legal protections.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
bsky.app/profile/mike...
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Bad news!: The President has nominated, in Martin's place, Fox News host Jeannine Pirro, currently being sued for defamation in connection with falsehoods about the 2020 election. bit.ly/4jXs1VJ 3/x
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
... warning the dean that the US Attorney's Office would not hire any of his students, because of its DEI policies, and saying, "It has come to my attention reliably that Georgetown Law School continues to teach and promote DEI. This is unacceptable." bit.ly/3YFv5ND 2/
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
It's time again for Good News, Bad News... Good news!: The President withdrew his nomination of Ed Martin to be US Attorney for DC. Martin had used his interim appointment to, inter alia, threaten perceived political opponents of the President, including Georgetown Law School ... bit.ly/4jM1g6q 1/
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Trump says he's pulling Ed Martin's nomination
It was becoming increasingly difficult to see a path for Martin's confirmation.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
... and (2) generally, in the President's continued refusal to acknowledge constitutional limits on his power, respect the independence of DOJ, or refrain from vilifying judges who rule against him: bit.ly/3GMXoUd 4/x
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In flirting with violating court order, Trump tries to pass the buck to ‘my lawyers’ - The Boston Globe
Legal experts worry that Trump could be laying the groundwork to defy court orders and defend his actions by saying he’s only following legal advice.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Bad News!: The Administration continues to flirt with open defiance of judicial orders… (1) specifically, in apparently preparing to send migrants to Libya without due process: bit.ly/4d7yGKp BBA Immigration Principles reiterate our support for right to counsel in removal cases: bit.ly/431BUKW 3/
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A Trump admin effort to deport immigrants to Libya would ‘clearly violate’ court order, judge says
Lawyers for immigrants from Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines rushed to court to stop what they called an “imminent” deportation flight to the war-torn African nation.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Last year, @bostonbar.bsky.social welcomed a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that tossed an earlier iteration of the case: bit.ly/4jFmbrR This was based on our Statement of Principles Concerning Reproductive Rights: bit.ly/4aGoC8w Read the filing: bit.ly/43rrPar 2/
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BBA Welcomes Supreme Court Dismissal of Mifepristone Challenge for Lack of Standing - Boston Bar Association
We are glad that today's unanimous ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court means that safe and effective reproductive-health medications will remain available,
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Back with more Good News, Bad News... Good News!: ICYMI, the DOJ urged a federal court to dismiss a suit challenging FDA approval of mifepristone, on the basis of venue, standing, and more. bit.ly/3GKbi9J 1/
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Trump administration asks judge to toss suit restricting access to abortion medication
President Donald Trump's administration has asked a judge to toss out a lawsuit from three Republican-led states seeking to cut off telehealth access to the abortion medication mifepristone.
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Reposted by Michael Avitzur
Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Even *if* you accept Stephen Miller’s (textually, historically, and morally indefensible) claim that undocumented immigrants are not entitled to due process, you’d *still* need due process to ensure that the individuals at issue are, in fact, undocumented. His argument fails even on its own terms.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
More resources... On-line tool: bit.ly/44oPv1a How to file: bit.ly/4iYQoRO FAQ’s: bit.ly/4m3jx0J Fact sheet: bit.ly/3Z1627Q 4/x
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Petition to Seal Eviction
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
“This online tool is designed to make it easier for individuals to file a petition to seal an eviction and to complete the filing with greater accuracy,” said Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi Brieger and Trial Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino. 3/
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
The step-by-step resource is the culmination of a collaboration between the Trial Court and Suffolk University Law School’s Legal Innovation & Technology Lab (LIT Lab) in response to the enactment of a new eviction sealing law, G.L. c. 239, § 16, taking effect today. 2/
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Today the Trial Court launched an on-line tool for tenants to petition to seal an eviction case—once the appeal period ends, if there’s a favorable disposition or the case was dismissed, or for a no-fault eviction, or 4 years after the end of a non-payment case or 7 years after a fault eviction. 1/
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
He might do well to read the BBA's Immigration Principles, which make that clear: "The Supreme Court has ruled that all people in the US, including undocumented immigrants, are guaranteed [due process and equal protection] under the 5th and 14th Amendments." bit.ly/431BUKW 4/x
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Bad News!: The President of the United States claimed ignorance of the 5th Amendment's guarantee of due-process to citizens and non-citizens alike. bit.ly/44k8FVV 3/
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Trump Says ‘I Don’t Know’ When Asked About Due Process and Upholding Constitution
President Trump repeatedly said he didn’t know when asked in a TV interview whether every person on American soil was entitled to due process, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
More: bit.ly/4d85NOe @bostonbar.bsky.social had joined 15 other bars on an amicus brief urging this result. bit.ly/430wdfZ We await final rulings in three similar cases, in which the BBA has also joined similar briefs—and temporary injunctions have already been issued. 2/
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Judge Strikes Down Trump Order Targeting Law Firm Perkins Coie
The ruling declares the president’s action unconstitutional, a decision likely to serve as a model for judges in cases brought by other law firms.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Today's Good News, Bad News... Good News!: Federal judge permanently blocks an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, finding the EO unconstitutional and saying it presented an "unprecedented attack" on foundational principles ensuring lawyers crucial independence from any group wielding power. 1/
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
BBA President Matt McTygue speaking to Adams Benefit attendees: "Our role as defenders of the rule of law is being scrutinized." Thank you to the 500+ firms who joined the amicus brief filed yesterday in opposition to targeted attacks on the legal community.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
In 2020, @bostonbar.bsky.social co-authored an amicus brief, in support of a case brought by two DA's, opposing ICE enforcement in and around courthouses, in order to protect the sanctity of the courts as a branch of government, guarantee equal access to justice, and preserve individual rights. 2/x
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
So ... we are back to ICE agents prowling in and around courthouses, only now it seems they're nabbing people in the middle of a trial. We oppose the use of courthouses a venue for immigration enforcement and support the previous ICE policy of including them as sensitive locations. bit.ly/3E48KlL 1/
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Boston judge launches inquiry after ICE agents apprehend defendant mid-trial - The Boston Globe
ICE has arrested hundreds of people across Massachusetts in recent days, sending shockwaves through the state’s immigrant communities.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
I'll take "Things I Would've Assumed We'd All Learned in Grade School (or While Studying for the Citizenship Test)" for $200, Ken.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
"... We further call upon our fellow members of the legal profession as well as members of the public at large to reject any attempt to harass or intimidate our country’s lawyers and judges for simply doing their jobs."
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
"... We call upon all branches of government to support the rule of law and the essential role of lawyers in our democracy, and to reject any efforts to use the tremendous power of the government against members of the legal profession for performing their duty. ...
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
"... Attempts to intimidate or penalize lawyers for representing clients whose interests do not align with the government's are antithetical to our democracy, violate the rule of law, chill attorneys from fulfilling their ethical and professional obligations, and undermine our system of justice. ...
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
From @bostonbar.bsky.social @nycbarassociation.bsky.social & many, many more: bit.ly/4iXC3FA "[We condemn] the President’s orders targeting law firms, [which] violate fundamental principles of our legal system and undermine right to counsel, independence of the legal profession, and rule of law. ...
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In Defense of the Rule of Law and the Independence of the Legal Profession | New York City Bar Association
Joint Statement of the Bar Associations Listed Below We, the undersigned bar associations, stand united in condemning the President’s orders […]
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Oh my, this is not what I was actually expecting when I wrote "see you again Friday": bit.ly/4kKqeUP
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Trump's deal with law firm Paul Weiss sparks alarm among lawyers
Powerful Wall Street law firm Paul Weiss faced heavy criticism on Friday over a deal it struck with the White House to escape an executive order imperiling the firm's business, even as some lawyers said the firm faced few other options.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
This is only one of untold numbers of instances that we are following, which together represent a comprehensive affront to the constitutional due-process and equal-protection rights of non-citizens, contrary to most, if not all, of the BBA's Immigration Principles: bit.ly/4hrtDoN 4/4
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
The Khalil case raises other concerns as well, including an effort to remove the case from New Jersey (near his lawyers, his home, and his pregnant wife) to Louisiana, which a judge has since blocked while ordering that Khalil not be deported for now. 3/4
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
"The provision the White House is using is rarely invoked. It requires extensive judicial review. Other parts of the law specify that removal cannot be based solely on someone’s speech. [That] 'would be unconstitutional,' said Pyle," who specializes in First Amendment and white-collar defense. 2/4
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Here's former BBA Council member Jeff Pyle, of Prince Lobel, quoted at the top of a WaPo story on the arrest and attempted deportation of legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil: "This case is as clear a First Amendment violation as any case I’ve ever seen in my 23-year career.” bit.ly/4iiZs4h 1/4
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Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest violates First Amendment protections, lawyers say
Trying to deport Khalil for demonstrating against Israel is an obvious violation of his rights and an attempt to intimidate others, they say.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Maybe I'll schedule a post for the inevitable next EO, saying exactly the same thing. See you here again with that ... say, Friday?
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
"In the face of efforts to undermine the independence of the legal profession, there is a continuing & increasing need for lawyers to offer competent representation to all—especially those who are vulnerable or out of political favor. The BBA encourages all members of our profession to do the same."
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Terrifying that it has to be said yet again, but here goes: When the executive branch wields its power to single out a specific law firm and its attorneys for their past or present representation, it strikes at the heart of an impartial and independent justice system. bit.ly/41q4ftw
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BBA President McTygue Responds to Presidential Action Targeting Covington & Burling LLP - Boston Bar Association
On Tuesday, President Trump took an alarming step in undermining the rule of law, issuing a directive that explicitly targets Covington & Burling LLP,
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
"In the face of efforts to undermine the independence of the legal profession, there is a continuing & increasing need for lawyers to offer competent representation to all—especially those who are vulnerable or out of political favor. The BBA encourages all members of our profession to do the same."
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
More from the statement: "The BBA proudly and clearly reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law. ... bit.ly/41q4ftw
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BBA President McTygue Responds to Presidential Action Targeting Covington & Burling LLP - Boston Bar Association
On Tuesday, President Trump took an alarming step in undermining the rule of law, issuing a directive that explicitly targets Covington & Burling LLP,
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
As we said when the White House targeted Covington—and as it seems we'll have to say again—when the executive branch wields its power to single out a specific law firm and its attorneys for their past or present representation, it strikes at the heart of an impartial and independent justice system.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Among those Principles: “Healthcare providers should be able to provide all patients with medically appropriate health care consistent with their training and abilities without undue interference by government.” And here's our previous statement on this case: bit.ly/3F5NFHH
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BBA Expresses Relief at Dismissal of Abortion Challenge to EMTALA - Boston Bar Association
We are relieved that the Supreme Court’s ruling today let stand a lower-court ruling that EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to provide
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
With separate litigation (brought by a hospital system) underway, it remains to be seen what impact DOJ's actions will have. Our positions on reproductive health will continue to be guided by our Statement of Principles in that area. bit.ly/3QRIg9K
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BBA Releases Statement of Principles on Reproductive Rights - Boston Bar Association
Today, Boston Bar Association (BBA) President Chinh Pham announced that the governing Council has approved the recommendations of the report and Statement
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
We added that "continued vigilance is needed to protect the rights of women to receive safe and medically appropriate care and the rights of doctors to provide it, against efforts to roll back access nationwide," which is, if anything, even more relevant today.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
When the Supreme Court last year let stand a lower-court ruling that EMTALA pre-empts certain state laws criminalizing abortion, we expressed relief that this outcome would "help pregnant people who come to emergency rooms receive care, including an abortion, if their lives and health are at risk."
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
From our Disappointing But Not Surprising Department... www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/p...
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Trump administration drops lawsuit seeking to ensure abortion access in emergency rooms | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump’s administration took a major step Wednesday in support of states with sweeping abortion bans, dropping a Biden-era lawsuit against Idaho that sought to protect abortion access ...
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
More on John Adams' defense of British soldiers: www.bostonteapartyship.com/john-adams-boston-massacre More on the BBA and rule of law: bit.ly/41q4ftw bit.ly/3Xv0K3H 3/3
bostonteapartyship.com
John Adams and The Boston Massacre | Boston Tea Party Museum
John Adams was the defense attorney for the British Redcoats and Captain Preston during the Boston Massacre Trials. Read about how he defended the soldiers.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Let me be clear on this: The BBA stands firmly on the side of justice and the rule of law! Oh, and if charges are brought against the soldiers, our own "founding father" John Adams stands ready to represent them, in keeping with his/our unwavering commitment to due process and access to justice. 2/x
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Revolutionary Spaces marks the Boston Massacre's 250th anniversary today by debating whether to "extract vengeance against the soldiers or call for law and order above all else. Have your voice heard in a Town Meeting debate: vengeance or justice?" 1/x revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/upco...
revolutionaryspaces.org
Vengeance or Justice: Town Meeting
Join Revolutionary Spaces and National Parks of Boston for Vengeance or Justice, commemorating the 255th anniversary of the Boston Massacre.
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Important statement on the latest emerging threat to rule of law, as one firm is singled out for its work with special counsel Jack Smith—sending "a chilling message to all lawyers, that representation of individuals out of favor with the Administration could invite [government] retaliation."
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
The ABA and BBA support making the Immigration Court an Article I court, independent of the executive branch, to support its integrity and professionalism, insulate it from politics, improve public confidence, and promote due process. More: bit.ly/3D0HF2p 3/x
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Time for an Independent Immigration Court
On February 3rd, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) introduced H.R. 6577 – the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act – which would create an independent Article ...
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
As the ABA has noted, this current structure allows the AG to tamper with the Court's work and "represents an inherent conflict with the principles of independence and fair and impartial courts necessary to satisfy due process". 2/3
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Even beyond the practical ramifications of this move, can we just take a moment to consider why a President should even have the power to fire a judge? It's only because the Immigration Court is housed within DOJ and effectively under its control. 1/3
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Michael Avitzur @mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
I want to make sure you've seen this important and timely statement from the BBA President!
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