It’s almost spring here in my neck of the woods, and lawyers seem to be all around us (thanks, Trump). So I thought the drawing above is appropo, even though it doesn’t really relate to today’s news.
District Attorney Fani Willis of Georgia, who is prosecuting Trump for election interference in 2020, was just permitted to remain on the case. In the last several weeks Georgian Judge McAfee has been hearing arguments about a relationship Fani had with one of the attorneys in her office. The charges were that it was an “inappropriate relationship,” perhaps financially benefitial to Ms Willis, and were brought on by Trump and his lawyers. Today, Judge McAfee ruled that there was not enough evidence to prove that this relationship between Willis and Nathan Wade interfered with her duties as District Attorney. Judge McAfee ruled that perhaps Willis made some bad choices, but he said she could stay on the case—she did nothing legally wrong. He instructed that Willis’s former boyfriend, Wade, had to go. He resigned moments ago. In accepting his resignation, Willis wrote: “I compliment you for the professionalism and dignity you have shown over the last 865 days, as you have endured threats against you and your family, as well as unjustified attacks in the media and in court on your reputation as a lawyer.”
Judge McAfee also said that he believed Fani Willis’s conduct during the hearing was “unprofessional.” I am not a lawyer but I don’t think that’s his place, to judge the District Attorney’s behavior in a ruling. I found it wrong of him, and I might go so far as to say it was infantalizing towards Willis. Her behavior was that of a strong Black woman who was angry, and rightfully so.
These are Trump tactics at their “best.” Digging up something that had nothing to do with the case against him and dragging Willis’s personal life out into public as a distraction. I am so glad she is still on the case; now it’s a question of whether this charade will infect the jury pool for Trump’s trial. It’s been suggested that Willis not be the lead lawer, and instead continue to be the mastermind.
Trump and his people will make the most out of what they tried to dredge up, and lie about it all. Sadly, we can expect that.
This drawing below from probably 25 years ago, judging from my drawing style and signature!
Happy Friday, hope you are enjoying some down time! See you tomorrow.
Good cartoons. I am (or was) a lawyer. There is the majority of lawyers -- conscientious, honest, ethical, purpose-driven, community focused -- and then there are MAGA lawyers.
I'm happy the judge let Fani stay. And I hope this makes her even more determined. I applaud her courage, and loathe and detest the orange man's sleezy tactics. I do wish the media would focus more on the horrible things he says, and keep bringing them up, harping on them, particularly his saying he would let Russia "do whatever the hell they want to" to NATO......." Wake up people....please.