More Than 80 Former Judges Sign Letter Opposing Emil Bove’s Nomination
More than 80 former federal and state judges — including Board Member J. Michael Luttig — have signed a letter opposing the nomination of Emil Bove to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The letter was sent to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley and Ranking Member Richard Durbin.
In it, the judges raise serious concerns about Bove’s record, citing his reported mistreatment of law enforcement officers, abuse of prosecutorial discretion, and refusal to condemn the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. They argue that his actions reflect a troubling disregard for the rule of law and call into question his fitness for a lifetime judicial appointment.
The signatories write:
“Elevating a nominee whose record reflects a pattern of misconduct, disregard for lawful authority, and political entanglement would not only compromise the integrity of the courts, it would set a dangerous precedent that judicial power may be wielded in service of personal fealty rather than constitutional duty.”