Former Trump aide and full-time provocateur Steve Bannon is facing trial on two criminal charges of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House January 6 Committee. The judge in his case just ruled that Bannon cannot defend against the charges by presenting evidence that he relied on the advice of his attorney when he failed to honor the subpoena. That’s clearly the right decision based on existing law. But although it’s impossible to feel sorry for Bannon, I’m not sure the rule against allowing an advice of counsel defense in this situation is really in the interest of justice.
Steve Bannon, Contempt, and Advice of Counsel
Steve Bannon, Contempt, and Advice of Counsel
Steve Bannon, Contempt, and Advice of Counsel
Former Trump aide and full-time provocateur Steve Bannon is facing trial on two criminal charges of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House January 6 Committee. The judge in his case just ruled that Bannon cannot defend against the charges by presenting evidence that he relied on the advice of his attorney when he failed to honor the subpoena. That’s clearly the right decision based on existing law. But although it’s impossible to feel sorry for Bannon, I’m not sure the rule against allowing an advice of counsel defense in this situation is really in the interest of justice.