Executive Actions Affecting
Criminal Justice

Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court

A memorandum directing the Attorney General to seek sanctions against attorneys and law firms that engage in frivolous, unreasonable and vexatious litigation against the United States or in matters before executive departments and agencies. A fact sheet on the memorandum can be found on the White House website.

Addressing Risks From Perkins Coie LLP

An EO directing the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to review large law firm practices for compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also instructs the Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence and other relevant agency heads to suspend active security clearances of individuals at Perkins Coie LLP and require government contractors to disclose any business with the firm, among other measures. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.

Suspension of Security Clearances and Evaluation of Government Contracts

A memorandum to relevant department heads suspending active security clearances held by employees of Covington & Burlington LLP who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith. It also directs actions to terminate agency engagements and review government contracts with the law firm. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.

Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security

An EO directing the Attorney General to review and update the guidelines and policies governing investigations and enforcement actions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) within a 180-day period. During this period, no new FCPA investigations shall be initiated, except under approved exceptions. The Attorney General may extend the review for an additional 180 days if deemed necessary. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.

Insights

Trump Pauses FCPA Enforcement and Resets Priorities

Executive Grant of Clemency

A grant of clemency for Terence Sutton, a police officer convicted of crimes in connection with a police pursuit.

Executive Grant of Clemency

A grant of clemency for Andrew Zabavsky, a police officer convicted of crimes in connection with a police pursuit.

Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences for Certain Offenses Relating to the Events at or Near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021

A proclamation issuing pardons for, or commutes to, the sentences of defendants in cases related to events on January 6, 2021.

Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety

An EO reinstating federal capital punishment.