Statement
NYT Details Extreme Overreach by Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Today, in response to a New York Times article highlighting the growing influence and judicial activism of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone released the following statement:
The recent actions of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals represent an alarming example of judicial overreach. This court, heavily influenced by judges appointed by former President Donald Trump, is aggressively pushing a far-right legal agenda that undermines decades of established law and precedent. Their rulings not only challenge the foundational principles of our democracy but also pose a direct threat to the rights and freedoms that millions of Americans depend on."
— Caroline Ciccone, Accountable.US president
Continued Ciccone, “This court has repeatedly engaged in activism from the bench, advancing untested and extreme legal theories that serve a narrow ideological agenda. Whether it’s attempting to restrict reproductive rights, curtailing federal regulatory power, or expanding gun rights in ways that defy common sense and public safety, the Fifth Circuit’s decisions are out of step with mainstream legal thought and the values of the American people. The ramifications of these rulings extend far beyond the Fifth Circuit’s jurisdiction, setting dangerous precedents that could ripple across the entire nation.”
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has become a key player in advancing a far-right agenda, often acting as the testing ground for radical conservative legal theories. With six of its 17 judges appointed by Donald Trump, the court has issued decisions that challenge established precedents, frequently leading to Supreme Court review. Despite several recent reversals, the Fifth Circuit’s rulings continue to push the boundaries, including an upcoming challenge to ghost gun regulations, signaling a broader attempt to reshape American law in a more extreme direction.
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