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Chris Geidner

@chrisgeidner.bsky.social
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This is a prolific poster! Showing posts since November 16, 2024.

  1. 1

    BREAKING: Federal judge finds that Trump's IRS suit was improper because Trump controlled both sides of the litigation.

    Judge Kathleen Williams also sanctions Trump's lawyers, issues monetary sanctions, and harshly criticizes DOJ's "untenable" conduct.

    More to come at Law Dork: www.lawdork.com

    The Parties used the existence of federal litigation as a means of conferring legitimacy upon a course of action that they were unwilling to subject to judicial review. The context of the "settlement," the relationships of the people involved in negotiating and approving it, the ethical implications of their conduct, and the Parties' swift efforts to dismiss this case after the Court raised fundamental jurisdictional questions all support this conclusion. Accordingly, the Court expressly finds that Plaintiffs acted in bad faith. See Sofaly v. Portfolio Recovery Assocs., LLC, 155 F.4th 289, 295 (3d Cir. 2025) (monetary sanctions were proper under the court's inherent power where the lawyers acted in bad faith and committed fraud on the court by using "their clients to bring contrived lawsuits"). That finding is enough to invoke the Court's inherent authority. See JTR Enter., LLC V. Columbian Emeralds, 697 F. App'x 976, 986 (11th Cir. 2017) ("The key to invoking a court's inherent power to sanction is a finding of bad faith.") (citation omitted).
    5,965 1,766
    Jul 13, 2026
  2. 2

    BREAKING: Eleventh Circuit, on a 2-1 vote, upholds injunction blocking Florida from enforcing its 2022 Stop WOKE Act in the university context. The majority opinion is from Judge Britt Grant, a Trump appointee: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

    Before GRANT, LAGOA, and WILSON, Circuit Judges. GRANT, Circuit Judge: "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech." U.S. Const. amend I. The First Amendment, incorporated against the States in 1868, is this country's written commitment to the idea that freedom of speech is essential to freedom of thought, and that both are essential to maintaining our liberty. The Supreme Court has long been clear that teaching and scholarship are due some measure of protection under the Amendment. But how much? And in what contexts? That Court has not had to say, but this one is now put to the test. The State of Florida legislated a broad set of speech restrictions banning certain viewpoints relating to race, color, sex, and national origin in various settings. The provision at issue here bars Florida's educators from promoting or endorsing those distavored ideas when instructing students. Its prohibition applies not only in primary and secondary education, where states traditionally exercise a great deal of control, but also in public colleges and universities, where the state government's role has been far more limited. When several groups of professors challenged Florida's new restrictions, the State cast about for an existing case or doctrine that could support its speech ban in the university setting. Finding none, it tried to marry public-employee speech cases with government speech doctrine, resulting in a new rule: if the government pays a professor's salary, it has total control over her classroom speech. That is not a blessed union. Florida's salary-for-speech rule is a breathtaking assertion of power to ban unpopular ideas from public discourse in the very places the State's own statutes recognize as centers of inquiry-classrooms where students are trusted to puzzle through ideas that are good and bad, easy and hard, ideally getting ever closer to the truth. This new rule also runs headlong into the Supreme Court's repeated, if imprecise, endorsements of academic freedom. If the First Amendment offers any boundary of protection at all for public university classrooms, this statute crosses it. Nor does this Court's leading academic speech precedent, Bishop v. Aronov, demand the outcome Florida seeks. 926 F.2d 1066 (11th Cir. 1991). In fact, it counsels the opposite. The restriction in that case was imposed by one university, against one professor, relating to speech about one thing— personal religious views that got in the way of the course's well-understood parameters. That precedent makes clear that universities and even other government entities have crucial authority to shape curricular content, discipline teachers, and take other steps to guide and govern postsecondary education. But the speech ban Florida's political leaders seek to impose here is different in both nature and degree from these ordinary concerns. The rule Florida developed for this case does not withstand scrutiny. 11 Case: 22-13992 Document: 156-1 Date Filed: 07/07/2026 Page: 22-13992 Opinion of the Court 5 The ideas Florida targets may well be noxious. Or maybe not. Either way, in this context the First Amendment trusts students to figure it out for themselves. We affirm the district court's preliminary injunction.
    3,200 1,004
    Jul 7, 2026
  3. 3

    In addition to being morally abhorrent, this is both factually wrong as to the people who ICE has killed and legally wrong as to when lethal force can be used.

    Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com
    Homan on people getting killed by ICE: "It comes down to one simple fact -- these people failed to comply with law enforcement ... all they had to do is comply. If they did, they'd be alive today."
    ▶
    3,070 819
    Jul 20, 2026
  4. 4

    I was on a Zoom call with advocates from Springfield and elsewhere in Ohio yesterday afternoon, and it’s absolutely horrifying and inexcusable what this administration is doing to this community and the lie that Sam Alito told to OK this.

    Greg Sargent @gregsargent.bsky.social
    After SCOTUS ruling, Stephen Miller said: "We can finally remove these Haitian migrants." If so, Springfield Ohio, in deep red Clark County, will now face major ICE raids. Springfield is the cite of the "pet eating" lie. There are up to 15,000 Haitians there: newrepublic.com/article/2124...
    2,455 772
    Jun 26, 2026
  5. 5

    OK, this is worth a laugh.

    Politico @politico.com
    Judge says Trump must hand over financial records to BBC
    Judge says Trump must hand over financial records to BBC
    Trump’s defamation suit against the network could put him in an uncomfortable spot.
    2,265 452
    Jul 21, 2026
  6. 6

    Sometime around now, 16 years ago, I had my last drink. I am so grateful for the 5,845 days since then.

    My life has had ups and downs since then—that is life!—but I wouldn’t give up a single one of those days.

    I never thought this life was possible. Now, I know that, for me, nothing else is.

    You've been sober for: 16.00 Years 192.00 Months 5,845 Days 140,256 Hours Chris hungover working a Pride booth in early June 2010. Chris working during Pride Month 2026, wearing a tank top featuring a raccoon wearing sunglasses and drinking an iced coffee while waving a pride flag.
    2,175 56
    Jun 27, 2026
  7. 7

    BREAKING: E. Jean Carroll got paid. www.lawdork.com/p/despite-tr...

    [Update, 12:20 p.m. July 14: Law Dork confirmed that funds totaling more than $5.62 million were transferred to E. Jean Carroll on Tuesday. "Three years ago, a unanimous nine-person jury found President Trump liable for sexually assaulting and defaming E. Jean Carroll. Today, we are pleased to report that she has received the damages payment the jury awarded her as a result of that verdict," Roberta Kaplan, Carroll's lawyer, said in a statement.]
    2,016 413
    Jul 14, 2026
  8. 8

    BREAKING: Federal judge blocks DOJ from requesting or receiving patient information about those who have received gender-affirming medical care as minors at Packard Children's Hospital (Stanford).

    The is the second order blocking these grand jury subpoenas: www.lawdork.com/p/doj-trans-...

    In opposing plaintiffs’ motion, DOJ does not meaningfully defend the propriety of its demand for patients’ sensitive health information. Instead, DOJ contends that because it now seeks plaintiffs’ medical records through issuance of a grand jury subpoena rather than through an administrative subpoena, plaintiffs’ sole recourse is to file a motion to quash the subpoena in the issuing court pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17. For the reasons that follow, the Court concludes, for purposes of plaintiffs’ motion, that Rule 17 likely does not preclude plaintiffs from pursuing an action in this Court to enjoin the federal officials’ ongoing efforts to procure their private medical information. And because plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood of success on their claim that DOJ’s efforts, if successful, would infringe upon their constitutional privacy rights, the Court provisionally certifies a class of patients who received gender-affirming care at Packard and grants plaintiffs’ request for preliminary injunctive relief as to that class.1 Because the record does not establish that patients who received gender-affirming care at other Californian hospitals face a similar risk of injury, the Court denies plaintiffs’ motions to the extent they seek provisional certification of a statewide class and statewide injunctive relief. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, plaintiffs’ motion to proceed via pseudonym (Dkt. No. 42) is GRANTED. Plaintiffs’ motions for provisional class certification (Dkt. No. 45) and for a preliminary injunction (Dkt. No. 46) are GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. DOJ and Acting Attorney General Blanche, and all persons acting in concert with or on behalf of such defendants, are hereby ENJOINED from requesting, receiving, producing, transmitting, disclosing, or otherwise obtaining any records, documents, or information that (1) identify members of the provisional class as having sought or received gender-affirming care (or “Sex-Rejecting Procedures”); (2) disclose the clinical indications, diagnoses, assessments, or other sensitive health information underlying the provision of such care to members of the provisional class; (3) describe the gender-affirming care (or “Sex-Rejecting Procedures”) provided to members of the provisional class or any consultations or patient intakes related to such care; or (4) relate to the provision of informed consent and parent or guardian authorization for provisional class members’ receipt of gender-affirming care (or “Sex-Rejecting Procedures”). Absent a further order from this Court, the injunction shall remain in effect during the pendency of these proceedings. IT IS SO ORDERED. Dated: July 2, 2026 P. Casey Pitts United States District Judge
    1,952 509
    Jul 2, 2026
  9. 9

    The Atlantic should be ashamed to have published Jamie Kirchick's "DSA is a 'parasite'" screed.

    Beyond that, though, no one should credit Kirchick's thoughts on DSA or the Dems. He is a bad-faith operator here, undermining those he has always sought to undermine — because he is a neocon.

    1,942 349
    Jul 21, 2026
  10. 10

    Well, the fireworks began on the Fifth of July.

    1,916 213
    Jul 5, 2026
  11. 11

    They literally have members of the military singing because they can’t refuse or cancel, right?

    Members of the military singing “Sweet Caroline.”
    1,880 269
    Jul 5, 2026
  12. 12

    As post after post circulated, I couldn’t help but wonder, was I the only person who didn’t get to spend just shy of 20 minutes talking into Mitch McConnell’s ear by phone today?

    Carrie at the laptop
    1,862 215
    Jul 8, 2026
  13. 13

    BREAKING: Federal judge questions Hegseth's "High-T" military plan in light of Trump's anti-trans ban.

    Judge Ana Reyes wants to know "the Department’s basis for treating trans men and other service members differently."

    New, at Law Dork:

    Breaking: Federal judge questions Hegseth's "High-T" military plan in light of Trump's anti-trans ban
    Judge Ana Reyes wants to know "the Department’s basis for treating trans men and other service members differently."
    1,721 538
    Jul 22, 2026
  14. 14

    Could you rewrite this like a journalist instead of a stenographer?

    The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com
    A sweeping overhaul of East Potomac Golf Links will begin Sept. 1, President Trump said Sunday after he toured the century-old municipal course with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and White House aides.
    Work on East Potomac Golf Links overhaul will begin Sept. 1, Trump says
    Officials haven’t said how the speedy timeline will mesh with regulatory reviews they’ve pledged to follow.
    1,653 229
    Jun 29, 2026
  15. 15

    NEW: Two-hundred-and-fifty years in, Justice Jackson is doing the work that is needed from our leaders.

    The United States needs leaders willing to speak forthrightly about our past and ambitiously about our future in order to make it through the treacherous present.

    This Fourth, at Law Dork:

    Two-hundred-and-fifty years in, Justice Jackson is doing the work that is needed from our leaders
    The United States needs leaders willing to speak forthrightly about our past and ambitiously about our future in order to make it through the treacherous present.
    1,510 384
    Jul 4, 2026
  16. 16

    LATER WE DID LEGAL RESEARCH.

    Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social
    The shit-show clown car the SDNY US Attorney's Office is driving around Manhattan these days is unreal.
    Inner City Press O @innercitypress.osky.social Judge: You didn't tell the judge that the subpoena was about reporters, about the New York Times? Sullivan: We did not. It was an oversight. Later we did legal research. Judge: Wouldn't it have been relevant to know there had been public reporting? A: Yes 2:40 PM • Jul 23, 2026
    1,227 181
    Jul 23, 2026
  17. 17

    OH. THE TIMES IS DOING IT.

    www.nytimes.com/2026/07/24/u...

    Times Exclusive 2m ago A credible threat from Iranian proxies to Air Force One is what prompted President Trump to switch planes when leaving Turkey earlier this month.
    1,163 253
    Jul 24, 2026
  18. 18

    With 10s of people heading to exits all at once, this will be a complex situation. Please be safe. Do not trample anyone in your effort to exit.

    Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social
    The Great American State Fair has closed until 5 pm due to extreme heat.
    1,157 159
    Jul 3, 2026
  19. 19

    And *that* was the night Chris Geidner went to bed early.

    1,042 9
    Jul 12, 2026
  20. 20

    The framing here is notable: “a concerning sign” … “for the U.S. economy.”

    Not for “the U.S. health care system.”

    Not for “people’s health and stability.”

    NPR @npr.org
    About 24% of U.S. employees stay in unwanted jobs just for health insurance, a report out Wednesday finds. Up significantly since 2021, the uptick in "job lock" is a concerning sign for the U.S. economy. n.pr/4gQIY5E
    Staying in a job for the health insurance? About 1 in 4 Americans do, a survey says
    About 24% of U.S. employees stay in unwanted jobs just for health insurance, a report out Wednesday finds. Up significantly since 2021, the uptick in "job lock" is a concerning sign for the U.S. economy.
    994 239
    Jul 22, 2026
  21. 21

    This is fucking appalling, and Democrats and ~small-government~ Republicans should be shutting the government down over this ongoing, pointless, expensive, anti-freedom, anti-democracy move by Trump. This is not a legitimate use of the military, and everyone knows it.

    Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social
    The National Guard Bureau will spend $292 million to provide a "long-term housing solution" for thousands of troop members deployed in DC in "apartment-style lodging units"
    National Guard Signs $292M Housing Contract for Troops in Washington, D.C.
    The deal would provide 2,000 “apartment-style lodging units” for service members deployed in the city.
    963 362
    Jul 25, 2026
  22. 22

    1 mile, 7:13.

    Beat my 2026 1-mile PR by 5 seconds — in 86-degree heat and on a Friday. I’ll take it!

    Chris in a running tank after his run.
    916 3
    Jul 10, 2026
  23. 23

    Reply to @chrisgeidner.bsky.social

    The shit-show clown car the SDNY US Attorney's Office is driving around Manhattan these days is unreal.

    Inner City Press O @innercitypress.osky.social Judge: You didn't tell the judge that the subpoena was about reporters, about the New York Times? Sullivan: We did not. It was an oversight. Later we did legal research. Judge: Wouldn't it have been relevant to know there had been public reporting? A: Yes 2:40 PM • Jul 23, 2026
    905 158
    Jul 23, 2026
  24. 24

    With that, I’m done with another SCOTUS term. I’ll have much more to say, to be sure, but with my last decision story out and last planned end-of-term appearance done, it’s my first moment to breathe in a bit.

    Thanks, all, for playing a part—even just by being here—in helping to make this my life.

    901 35
    Jul 2, 2026
  25. 25

    If you’re unwilling to read this piece before insisting you know what is going on with Justice Jackson, specifically regarding trans people, I’m sorry people are lying to you.

    And, if you don’t know me and just decided that I’m a cis guy who doesn’t care about trans people, that’s wrong and on you.

    Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social
    NEW: Two-hundred-and-fifty years in, Justice Jackson is doing the work that is needed from our leaders. The United States needs leaders willing to speak forthrightly about our past and ambitiously about our future in order to make it through the treacherous present. This Fourth, at Law Dork:
    Two-hundred-and-fifty years in, Justice Jackson is doing the work that is needed from our leaders
    The United States needs leaders willing to speak forthrightly about our past and ambitiously about our future in order to make it through the treacherous present.
    898 117
    Jul 4, 2026