Federal Lawsuit

US v. Comey & US v. James — Fourth Circuit Appeal

DOJ appealed the dismissals of cases against former FBI Director James Comey and NY AG Letitia James after trial courts found prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was unlawfully appointed. Cases consolidated on appeal to the Fourth Circuit. Comey was charged with false statements; James with mortgage fraud. Both cases are widely seen as politically motivated.

Appealed

Case Details

DOJ appealed the dismissals of cases against former FBI Director James Comey and NY AG Letitia James after trial courts found prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was unlawfully appointed. Cases consolidated on appeal to the Fourth Circuit. Comey was charged with false statements; James with mortgage fraud. Both cases are widely seen as politically motivated.

Date Filed

2026-02-09

Status

Appealed

Court

U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit

Outcome

Appeal pending; unlawful appointment finding under review

Related Executive Actions (1)

Presidential Memorandum on Abuses of the Legal System

Directs AG to seek sanctions against attorneys engaging in 'frivolous litigation against the United States,' particularly immigration lawyers. Raises possibility of further security clearance suspensions and contract terminations. Calls for review of attorney conduct over the past eight years. Characterized as an attack on 'the very foundations of our legal system.'

Implemented
Presidential MemoJudiciary
Department of Justice
2025-03-28

Sources

Plaintiffs / Parties

  • Department of Justice (appellant)
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