Prosecutors seeking 'retribution' for Trump can be disbarred - Yannett, WaPo
As President Donald Trump embarks on his promised campaign of “retribution” against his political enemies, there’s little reason to hope that the leadership of the Justice Department will curb his worst impulses — just consider the specious dismissal of the case against New York Mayor Eric Adams.
But those willing to do the president’s bidding might have forgotten one important protection built into the justice system: Lawyers are governed by ethical rules regulated by state bar associations and state courts. And those authorities can and do discipline — and even disbar — lawyers who order, assist or engage in unlawful conduct.
Though state authorities have historically been reluctant to police the conduct of federal prosecutors, they now will have no choice but to shed that reluctance and show the kind of courage they did after the 2020 elections. Then, disciplinary authorities in New York, California and the District of Columbia sought to suspend and even disbar not only such high-profile private lawyers as Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman, but also then-Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark, for engaging in dishonesty or undermining the administration of justice.
Though state authorities have historically been reluctant to police the conduct of federal prosecutors, they now will have no choice but to shed that reluctance and show the kind of courage they did after the 2020 elections. Then, disciplinary authorities in New York, California and the District of Columbia sought to suspend and even disbar not only such high-profile private lawyers as Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman, but also then-Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark, for engaging in dishonesty or undermining the administration of justice.
(snip)
Based on statements by Trump and his supporters, it will not be surprising if at least some of the president’s perceived political foes — including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and former special counsel Jack Smith, among others — are targeted in the District of Columbia, where their supposed misdeeds occurred. But Attorney General Pam Bondi and her team should be aware that the District has set uniquely high standards for prosecutors. They will face discipline if they “invidiously discriminate” in their decisions about whom to investigate or prosecute. And they can face a similar fate if they go to trial on charges they know are not supported by sufficient evidence of guilt. The D.C. ethics rules are clear: “A prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate.”
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