Summary
An appeals court decided that Alina Habba was not allowed to serve as the top federal prosecutor for New Jersey because the way she was appointed broke the rules. This decision can impact many criminal cases in New Jersey since her appointment skipped the required Senate approval process.
Key Facts
- Alina Habba, formerly President Trump's lawyer, was serving as the US Attorney for New Jersey.
- An appeals court found her appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which sets rules for temporary appointments.
- President Trump selected Habba, but her nomination was not confirmed by the US Senate.
- The Trump administration installed her in an acting role to bypass the Senate.
- This is the second time in recent weeks that a Trump-appointed prosecutor has been disqualified.
- The ruling may require the appointment of a new federal prosecutor in New Jersey.
- The case began when three defendants argued her appointment was illegal, leading to a favorable ruling for them.
- A similar issue led to dismissing criminal cases in Virginia due to an improperly appointed prosecutor.
