The Justice Department and the Rule of Law: A Prosecutor’s View

Four years after January 6th, Americans are still fighting about what the insurrection means for the rule of law. The facts of that day remain contested, despite a thorough congressional investigation, federal charges against more than 1500 people, and almost 1300 convictions to date. These and other politically sensitive investigations provided fodder for sweeping attacks on the Justice Department’s independence. This is not the first time the department’s work has become politically salient. Today, however, a significant body of laws and norms govern its investigative and prosecution powers. How durable are those guardrails? How are attorneys within the department navigating this fraught moment?

Join us for a conversation with Brendan Ballou, a former January 6th prosecutor, about DOJ history, the January 6th response, and recent challenges to the department’s long standing tradition of non-partisan law enforcement.

Co-sponsored by the Stanford National Security Law Society and the American Constitution Society.