DOJ special prosecutions and federal civil service litigation
Department of Justice charges against former FBI director James Comey and political firings within the federal civil service spark historic legal challenges over executive authority. Federal appellate courts scrutinize whether prosecutorial powers were used for partisan retribution. The cases set major constitutional precedents regarding civil service protections and classified leak prosecutions.
- Today
The Department of Justice files a third set of federal criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey over alleged classified disclosures.
Where the story stands today. The forecast starts from here.
- 21 December 2026week 8
Comey asks federal court to dismiss Justice Department charges
Defence lawyers allege vindictive prosecution and argue time limits expired on the federal indictment.
base case75%WASHINGTON — Lawyers for former FBI director James Comey filed a motion on Thursday to dismiss his federal indictment. The defence argued that the Justice Department acted out of political retribution and brought charges after the statute of limitations had passed. The filing sets a schedule for evidentiary hearings and forces judicial scrutiny of internal department records.
- 1 March 2027week 18
Judge orders Justice Department to release White House Comey records
The ruling challenges claims of executive privilege over the decision to indict the former FBI director.
base case70%WASHINGTON — A federal judge ordered the Justice Department on Friday to disclose internal White House communications regarding the decision to indict James Comey. The decision tests executive privilege claims in trial court and puts pressure on administration lawyers. Comey's defence team requested the records to show that the prosecution was pursued as partisan retribution.
- 5 July 2027week 36
Federal judge throws out indictment against James Comey
The ruling cites prosecutorial misconduct and unlawful White House interference.
low probability9%WASHINGTON — A federal judge dismissed all criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey on Monday. The court dismissed the case with prejudice, explicitly barring the Department of Justice from filing the same indictment again. Justice Department prosecutors launched an immediate appeal, though the judge cited clear misconduct and improper executive pressure in throwing out the case.
- 8 November 2027week 54
Justice Department appeals Comey case dismissal
The dispute heads to the DC Circuit as constitutional questions mount.
base case70%WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice has appealed the dismissal of its case against former FBI director James Comey to the DC Circuit. The legal fight moves to the appellate bench following dismissals of political firing charges within the civil service. The appeal extends an ongoing legal battle over prosecutorial independence.
- 8 May 2028week 80
Appeals court tosses out criminal charges against Comey
Judges bar prosecutors from refiling the case under double jeopardy protections.
plausible35%WASHINGTON — A federal appeals panel in Washington dismissed all criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey on Thursday and ruled that prosecutors cannot refile them. The DC Circuit court found the case violated the double jeopardy clause of the US Constitution. The decision curbs executive intervention in criminal cases brought against career civil servants.
- 6 November 2028week 106
American voters elect president promising independent justice system
The incoming administration prepares to overhaul the leadership of the Justice Department.
plausible35%WASHINGTON — American voters elected a new president on Monday following a campaign pledge to end partisan prosecutions and restore civil service protections. The incoming administration will now prepare transition teams for the Department of Justice. The victory ends months of disputes over executive power and federal investigations.
- 15 January 2029week 116
New Attorney General drops inquiries into former federal officers
The decision ends five years of litigation over political firings and civil service protections.
base case60%WASHINGTON — The new US Attorney General has formally closed federal inquiries into former law enforcement leaders. The move cancels special Justice Department reviews that had targeted figures including former FBI director James Comey. The decision restores long-standing protections designed to shield career civil servants from political pressure.