It was a hot bench. A couple of minutes into their prepared arguments, the lawyers for both Trump and then the Special Counsel’s office were interrupted by judges with questions. Lots of them and rapid fire. For appellate lawyers, it’s always a pleasant jolt of adrenaline when this happens; at least that’s how I viewed it. It means the judges are prepared and engaged—they’ve digested the briefs, reviewed the record, and identified the pressure points in each side’s arguments. Especially when your case is solid, you welcome a hot bench.
Thank you for the story about President Carter. I was just commenting on how he has been such a model of a good person. You just reinforced that image even more.
I certainly agree with you that Trump doesn't care about anyone or anything except himself. It's also clear that Trump infects his lawyers who all seem to lose their professionalism when defending him. The story about President Carter clearly shows that, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much money or power you have, it matters the type of person you are.
Thank you for this wonderful analysis. I’m sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. What a poignant reflection on the difference between a life well lived in service to humanity and one lived with no moral fabric, completely devoid of service to anyone but himself. That today’s proceeding was held in the same 11th Circuit where your father-in-law served and lost his life after having been appointed by President Carter must have an especially strong meaning for you. Your thoughts are palpable. Thank you for caring so much about us that you will share your time to make sure we are as informed as we can be. It’s up to us to read the links to the filings you have given us. Many thanks. You and your family and your sacrifices are so appreciated. Take very good care.💙
I heard some of the arguments today. I thought it very telling that Trump’s lawyers did not think any rights should be balanced against Trump’s absolutist First Anendment rights. When you add this to Project 2025, the vermin speech and the Univision news, we are getting a very clear picture of his cult followers supporting his dictatorship. We should be very afraid and do everything we need to do to get him defeated.
My 94 yr old mother is not leaving thto the next generation. She is doing her part. Let’s stand with her so she can say she left this world a better place.
Joyce, thank you for educating some of us who are not in the legal community about the Appellate Court and how you trained lawyers in your division. It sounds like all three judges were fully engaged in this first amendment case. I also appreciated hearing about Pop and President Carter’s interaction with your husband’s mother. In my family, we called my Dad’s father “Pop”! I will be thinking about you and your family during the Thanksgiving break.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father-in-law to attack by a litigant. Thank you for sharing the story of President Carter's comfort to your family- it reinforces the knowledge of what a fine man he is. Steve Schmidt wrote a wonderful tribute to Rosalynn Carter in his post on his substack today. "What Rosalyn and Jimmy Carter did with their lives was monumental. How they lived their lives with humility, dignity, patriotism, and service at the core was a great blessing to this country." His post brought tears to my eyes earlier today and Joyce, yours just did so again.
I'm thankful that our country has been blessed with such leaders and fervently hope that we can continue to embody and advance such values at the heart of our identity as Americans.
I clerk for an appellate court and went to oral argument on a case assigned to me. It was a storm water drainage case and the plaintiff’s had asked for a ridiculous amount of remediation unde4 the circumstances. The trial court indicated that wasn’t going to happen and asked both sides to submit compromise plans, the plaintiffs refused so the trial court went the defendant’s plan. Plaintiffs appealed and asked for the same outrageous remedy. The lawyer wouldn’t back off the argument that his clients were entitled to everything and the kitchen sink, and finally one of the judges said to him, that he was asking for a Cadillac result and sometimes you’re only entitled to a Chevy.
Thank you Joyce for your clarity in explaining what happened today. I know you were hoping for chicken pictures and a bit of a break. Thanks also for sharing your family’s very human story/connection to President Carter. It is so important to be reminded of our own and others compassion and humanity during these times when it appears to be dwindling.
As a non lawyer I must say I found it difficult to listen to Trump’s lawyer continue to downplay the importance and significance of dealing with threats. As if they were nothing. ( much like a 2nd amendment argument about the right to bear arms). If the persons at risk of being threatened or attacked were members of this man’s family would he feel the same?
Carter was the first President I voted for, and while he was never a flashy politician, no one could have doubted his character and deep commitment to both his country and to humanity. It’s a stark contrast to Trump and his followers.
Thanks for the story about President Carter. A good man who has continued to good in his post-presidential life. He was robbed of a second term by Republican Evil (let's call it what it is). Good to hear the nickname "Pop"; that is what I called my late father. Sorry to hear of your grandfather's death in such a terrible incident.
Since 2016 I've spent a lot of time comparing Trump to President Carter and several other Presidents. As the old folks used to say, " he can't hold a light to them."
Gag Order. Appealed and Argued.
Thank you for the story about President Carter. I was just commenting on how he has been such a model of a good person. You just reinforced that image even more.
I certainly agree with you that Trump doesn't care about anyone or anything except himself. It's also clear that Trump infects his lawyers who all seem to lose their professionalism when defending him. The story about President Carter clearly shows that, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much money or power you have, it matters the type of person you are.
Thank you for this wonderful analysis. I’m sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. What a poignant reflection on the difference between a life well lived in service to humanity and one lived with no moral fabric, completely devoid of service to anyone but himself. That today’s proceeding was held in the same 11th Circuit where your father-in-law served and lost his life after having been appointed by President Carter must have an especially strong meaning for you. Your thoughts are palpable. Thank you for caring so much about us that you will share your time to make sure we are as informed as we can be. It’s up to us to read the links to the filings you have given us. Many thanks. You and your family and your sacrifices are so appreciated. Take very good care.💙
“Trump’s lawyer declined to concede that any conduct would be objectionable, a poor strategic call when there are lines that are going to be drawn.”
This is trump world in a nutshell. He can do no wrong.
And great Carter story. What a great man!!
I heard some of the arguments today. I thought it very telling that Trump’s lawyers did not think any rights should be balanced against Trump’s absolutist First Anendment rights. When you add this to Project 2025, the vermin speech and the Univision news, we are getting a very clear picture of his cult followers supporting his dictatorship. We should be very afraid and do everything we need to do to get him defeated.
My 94 yr old mother is not leaving thto the next generation. She is doing her part. Let’s stand with her so she can say she left this world a better place.
Joyce, thank you for educating some of us who are not in the legal community about the Appellate Court and how you trained lawyers in your division. It sounds like all three judges were fully engaged in this first amendment case. I also appreciated hearing about Pop and President Carter’s interaction with your husband’s mother. In my family, we called my Dad’s father “Pop”! I will be thinking about you and your family during the Thanksgiving break.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father-in-law to attack by a litigant. Thank you for sharing the story of President Carter's comfort to your family- it reinforces the knowledge of what a fine man he is. Steve Schmidt wrote a wonderful tribute to Rosalynn Carter in his post on his substack today. "What Rosalyn and Jimmy Carter did with their lives was monumental. How they lived their lives with humility, dignity, patriotism, and service at the core was a great blessing to this country." His post brought tears to my eyes earlier today and Joyce, yours just did so again.
I'm thankful that our country has been blessed with such leaders and fervently hope that we can continue to embody and advance such values at the heart of our identity as Americans.
I clerk for an appellate court and went to oral argument on a case assigned to me. It was a storm water drainage case and the plaintiff’s had asked for a ridiculous amount of remediation unde4 the circumstances. The trial court indicated that wasn’t going to happen and asked both sides to submit compromise plans, the plaintiffs refused so the trial court went the defendant’s plan. Plaintiffs appealed and asked for the same outrageous remedy. The lawyer wouldn’t back off the argument that his clients were entitled to everything and the kitchen sink, and finally one of the judges said to him, that he was asking for a Cadillac result and sometimes you’re only entitled to a Chevy.
Thank you Joyce for your clarity in explaining what happened today. I know you were hoping for chicken pictures and a bit of a break. Thanks also for sharing your family’s very human story/connection to President Carter. It is so important to be reminded of our own and others compassion and humanity during these times when it appears to be dwindling.
I am grateful to you.
As a non lawyer I must say I found it difficult to listen to Trump’s lawyer continue to downplay the importance and significance of dealing with threats. As if they were nothing. ( much like a 2nd amendment argument about the right to bear arms). If the persons at risk of being threatened or attacked were members of this man’s family would he feel the same?
Thank you for sharing the wonderful experience with President Carter. It was so tender and thoughtful of him.
IT WAS A HOT BENCH.
There's the opening line for your novel, Joyce.
Carter was the first President I voted for, and while he was never a flashy politician, no one could have doubted his character and deep commitment to both his country and to humanity. It’s a stark contrast to Trump and his followers.
Thanks for the story about President Carter. A good man who has continued to good in his post-presidential life. He was robbed of a second term by Republican Evil (let's call it what it is). Good to hear the nickname "Pop"; that is what I called my late father. Sorry to hear of your grandfather's death in such a terrible incident.
What a meaningful memory of President Carter and your Father-in-law. Very timely!!
Thank you for your succinct explanation of today's hearing. As always, you pointed out the finite aspects that were easy to miss.
Have a Happy, Safe Thanksgiving!!
Since 2016 I've spent a lot of time comparing Trump to President Carter and several other Presidents. As the old folks used to say, " he can't hold a light to them."