How Bill Barr Broke The Prosecutor Code And Corrupted The Justice Department

Over the years, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has always been considered the backbone of the American legal system. It stands as a symbol of fair and unbiased governance, where prosecutors work tirelessly to ensure justice is served, regardless of political affiliations. However, under the leadership of Bill Barr, the former Attorney General, the department fell into a state of disarray and lost its reputation.

Barr's tenure was marked by a series of controversial moves that violated the fundamental principles of the prosecutor code. This article delves into the ways in which Barr's actions corrupted the Justice Department and left a lasting impact on the rule of law in the United States.

The Prosecutorial Independence in Jeopardy

One of the cornerstones of the prosecutor code is the principle of prosecutorial independence. Prosecutors are expected to make decisions based on facts, evidence, and the best interest of justice, rather than being influenced by political pressure. However, during Barr's tenure, this independence was repeatedly compromised.

Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor's Code and Corrupted the Justice Department

by Elie Honig(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

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It was evident in several high-profile cases, most notably the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Barr intervened in the case, distorting the findings and misleading the public about the extent of the involvement. This interference raised serious concerns about the erosion of impartiality within the Justice Department.

The Weaponization of the DOJ

The DOJ is entrusted with upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal justice under the law. However, under Barr's leadership, the department became a tool to serve political interests. Barr acted more like a personal attorney for former President Donald Trump rather than an independent prosecutor.

Barr's intervention in the case against Trump's ally, Roger Stone, was a clear example of the weaponization of the DOJ. Despite the overwhelming evidence against Stone, Barr intervened to reduce the recommended sentence, causing widespread outrage and raising questions about political favoritism.

The Erosion of Public Trust

The Justice Department's integrity largely depends on the public's trust in its ability to serve justice without bias. However, Barr's actions led to a significant erosion of that trust. By repeatedly defending and protecting Trump's interests, regardless of ethical or legal implications, Barr undermined the public's belief in the fairness of the Justice Department.

Moreover, Barr's handling of the release of the Mueller report further damaged the department's credibility. His selective redactions and attempts to shape the narrative portrayed a partial and opaque approach, further deepening the mistrust among the public.

Politicizing Law Enforcement

The Department of Justice has a vital role in maintaining law and order. However, under Barr's leadership, law enforcement became a tool for political gain. Barr ordered the violent clearing of peaceful protesters near the White House to allow for a photo-op by President Trump, a direct violation of the constitutional rights of citizens.

Furthermore, Barr's decision to investigate the origins of the Russia probe seemed more politically motivated than rooted in genuine concern for the rule of law. This move further raised questions about the impartiality and integrity of the highest law enforcement agency in the country.

The Urgent Need for Reform

Bill Barr's tenure as the Attorney General left a lasting impact on the Justice Department, tarnishing its reputation and undermining its core values. To restore public trust and ensure the independence of the DOJ, significant reforms are urgently needed.

Firstly, there must be clear guidelines and checks in place to prevent political interference in high-profile cases. Prosecutors should be shielded from external pressure and allowed to fulfill their duties without fear of retribution.

Secondly, transparency within the Justice Department is crucial. The public deserves to be fully informed about the decisions and actions taken by the DOJ. This can be achieved through greater accountability measures and unbiased reporting on the department's activities.

Finally, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the current system to ensure that individuals appointed to lead the DOJ are committed to upholding the rule of law and serving justice impartially. Stricter nomination and confirmation procedures could help avoid the appointment of individuals with clear political biases.

The Bill Barr era will go down in history as a dark chapter for the Department of Justice. His actions, which violated the prosecutor code and corrupted the department, highlight the need for urgent reforms to restore integrity and fairness. It is imperative that the American legal system regains the trust of its citizens and ensures that justice is served without political influence.

Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor's Code and Corrupted the Justice Department

by Elie Honig(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3107 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages

FREE

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

“Elie Honig has written much more than a compelling takedown of an unfit attorney general; he also offers a blueprint for how impartial and apolitical justice should be administered in America.”—Preet Bharara

“An essential analysis for anyone committed to understanding the abuses of the Trump administration so we can ensure they never happen again.”—Joyce White Vance

“Essential reading for all who cherish the rule of law in America.”—George Conway

"Written with all the color and pacing of a legal thriller."—Variety

CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig exposes William Barr as the most corrupt attorney general in modern U.S. history, with stunning new scandals bubbling to the surface even after Barr's departure from office.  

In Hatchet Man, former federal prosecutor Elie Honig uncovers Barr’s unprecedented abuse of power as Attorney General and the lasting structural damage done to the Justice Department. Honig uses his own experience as a prosecutor at DOJ to show how, as America’s top law enforcement official, Barr repeatedly violated the Department’s written rules, and those vital, unwritten norms and principles that comprise the “prosecutor’s code.”

Barr was corrupt from the beginning. His first act as AG was to distort the findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, earning a public rebuke for his dishonesty from Mueller himself and, later, from a federal judge. Then, Barr tried to manipulate the law to squash a whistleblower’s complaint about Trump’s dealings with Ukraine—the report that eventually led to Trump’s first impeachment. Barr later intervened in an unprecedented manner to undermine his own DOJ prosecutors on the cases of Michael Flynn and Roger Stone, both political allies of the President. And then Barr fired the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York under false pretenses. Finally, Barr amplified baseless theories about massive mail-in ballot fraud, pouring gasoline on the dumpster fire battle over the 2020 election results and contributing to the January 6 insurrection that led to Trump’s second impeachment.

In Hatchet Man, Honig proves that Barr trampled the two core virtues that have long defined the department and its mission: credibility and independence – ultimately in service of his own deeply-rooted, extremist legal and personal beliefs. Honig shows how Barr corrupted the Justice Department and explains what we must do to prevent this from ever happening again.