Russell Steinthal
@steintr.bsky.social
Antitrust lawyer, computer nerd, long-suffering Mets/Jets fan
Watching NYC area weather via WatchedSky: 🌩️👀 xEqdwWB2srp6
Watching NYC area weather via WatchedSky: 🌩️👀 xEqdwWB2srp6
I don't know if Amazon is using some sort of automated system to generate its TNF "Rapid Recap" video, but the fact that it cuts directly from the SEA TD to make it 30-28, then the "incomplete" 2-point conversion, and then to it being 30-30 without showing the replay decision is very confusing...
December 19, 2025 at 5:26 AM
I don't know if Amazon is using some sort of automated system to generate its TNF "Rapid Recap" video, but the fact that it cuts directly from the SEA TD to make it 30-28, then the "incomplete" 2-point conversion, and then to it being 30-30 without showing the replay decision is very confusing...
Baruch Dayan Emet. Unfortunately, an evergreen post.
December 14, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Baruch Dayan Emet. Unfortunately, an evergreen post.
If you had Indiana and Duke winning conference *football* championships in the same year, I hope you won good money. (Or you're lying. :))
December 7, 2025 at 4:59 AM
If you had Indiana and Duke winning conference *football* championships in the same year, I hope you won good money. (Or you're lying. :))
Very good points. Another opportunity for the Court to show that equity matters even apart from the substance.
We’ll see what happens at SCOTUS with the Texas redistricting appeal, but one important contextual thing is that Texas is *not* being ordered to use a court-drawn map or a map that it drew only under duress.
It is being ordered to use its *own* GOP drawn 2021 map. #txlege
It is being ordered to use its *own* GOP drawn 2021 map. #txlege
November 19, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Very good points. Another opportunity for the Court to show that equity matters even apart from the substance.
Ship has probably sailed, but does the logic of CASA v. Trump also apply to facial challenges to criminal laws? If Cong were, e.g., to repass the Sedition Act, would there be any ability to bring a pre-enforcement 1A challenge or would defs have to assert the defense individually until SCOTUS ruled?
June 30, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Ship has probably sailed, but does the logic of CASA v. Trump also apply to facial challenges to criminal laws? If Cong were, e.g., to repass the Sedition Act, would there be any ability to bring a pre-enforcement 1A challenge or would defs have to assert the defense individually until SCOTUS ruled?
Reposted by Russell Steinthal
If there’s one thing that everyone agreed on at the time, it was the First and Second Banks of the United States 
May 22, 2025 at 11:04 PM
If there’s one thing that everyone agreed on at the time, it was the First and Second Banks of the United States 
How is the second phase of the Qatari place grift supposed to be legal even on its own terms? Aren't gifts to Presidential Libraries the property of the United States anyway? (Just as with Presidential gifts received during an Administration and not purchased by the previous POTUS at market value.)
May 12, 2025 at 11:34 AM
How is the second phase of the Qatari place grift supposed to be legal even on its own terms? Aren't gifts to Presidential Libraries the property of the United States anyway? (Just as with Presidential gifts received during an Administration and not purchased by the previous POTUS at market value.)
Genuine question: to the extent the Bureau of Prisons has statutory authority to designate the place of confinement for federal prisoners, is there a limitation that it has to be in the US? Subject to the 8A, could BOP just decide that some prisoners are, for reasons, best sent abroad?
April 15, 2025 at 5:53 AM
Genuine question: to the extent the Bureau of Prisons has statutory authority to designate the place of confinement for federal prisoners, is there a limitation that it has to be in the US? Subject to the 8A, could BOP just decide that some prisoners are, for reasons, best sent abroad?
So does everyone who imports anything have standing to challenge the tariffs (whether as arbitrary & capricious, outside the scope of IEEPA, etc.)?
April 3, 2025 at 1:59 AM
So does everyone who imports anything have standing to challenge the tariffs (whether as arbitrary & capricious, outside the scope of IEEPA, etc.)?
If the WH imposes tariffs with immediate effect, does that mean stuff just sits at customs until people figure out what the new rates are and pay them? Is there a rule for the exact moment when they become due? Whether the goods touch US soil before POTUS (or relevant Sec'y) signs his name?
April 2, 2025 at 5:07 AM
If the WH imposes tariffs with immediate effect, does that mean stuff just sits at customs until people figure out what the new rates are and pay them? Is there a rule for the exact moment when they become due? Whether the goods touch US soil before POTUS (or relevant Sec'y) signs his name?
I don't want to ignore the real, immediate harm done to those whom the US has illegally removed to El Salvador. But to ask a broader legal q: if it's the Gov't's view that habeas jx disappars as soon as they transfer someone to a foreign sovereign's custody, what's the limiting principle? /1
April 1, 2025 at 8:42 PM
I don't want to ignore the real, immediate harm done to those whom the US has illegally removed to El Salvador. But to ask a broader legal q: if it's the Gov't's view that habeas jx disappars as soon as they transfer someone to a foreign sovereign's custody, what's the limiting principle? /1
Reposted by Russell Steinthal
I wonder if we should be talking more about the oaths we took when we became attorneys.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that I will support the constitution of the United States...."
Not "just when it's convenient." Or "just when I like the results."
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that I will support the constitution of the United States...."
Not "just when it's convenient." Or "just when I like the results."
Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes705 ILCS 205/4
Illinois Compiled Statutes Table of Contents
www.ilga.gov
March 23, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I wonder if we should be talking more about the oaths we took when we became attorneys.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that I will support the constitution of the United States...."
Not "just when it's convenient." Or "just when I like the results."
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that I will support the constitution of the United States...."
Not "just when it's convenient." Or "just when I like the results."
Reposted by Russell Steinthal
look, you guys know me. I am on record so many times saying that I hate the filibuster. but if the rule is there and it supposedly helps produce bipartisan results and is about upholding the institution and power of the senate? now is the time to use it
Opinion | Senate Democrats need to hold strong against Trump's purse snatching
House Democrats stood against Donald Trump's illegal spending cuts by voting against the GOP's stopgap spending bill. Now it's the Senate's turn.
www.msnbc.com
March 12, 2025 at 1:29 PM
look, you guys know me. I am on record so many times saying that I hate the filibuster. but if the rule is there and it supposedly helps produce bipartisan results and is about upholding the institution and power of the senate? now is the time to use it
Reposted by Russell Steinthal
Why would any Senate Dem vote for the CR, now that Rubio has confirmed that Trump-Musk will simply cancel congressionally-authorized funding they don't like? That's a vote to neuter yourselves.
On the pod, Tom Malinowski is great on why Dems can't bail out Trump:
newrepublic.com/article/1925...
On the pod, Tom Malinowski is great on why Dems can't bail out Trump:
newrepublic.com/article/1925...
Bad News for Trump as Brutal New Stock Market Plunge Wakes Up Dems
As Trump runs into trouble, former Congressman Tom Malinowski explains why it’s urgent for Democrats to use the government shutdown fight to dig in against his and Elon Musk’s lawbreaking.
newrepublic.com
March 11, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Why would any Senate Dem vote for the CR, now that Rubio has confirmed that Trump-Musk will simply cancel congressionally-authorized funding they don't like? That's a vote to neuter yourselves.
On the pod, Tom Malinowski is great on why Dems can't bail out Trump:
newrepublic.com/article/1925...
On the pod, Tom Malinowski is great on why Dems can't bail out Trump:
newrepublic.com/article/1925...
As a 2-time Columbia grad for whom my undergrad years were a formative influence on my Jewish identity, and then my time at the law school gave me my career, it's been a troubling few days. But even as I doubt many ppl care about one random poster's views, I feel I ought to respond for my own sake.
March 11, 2025 at 3:49 AM
As a 2-time Columbia grad for whom my undergrad years were a formative influence on my Jewish identity, and then my time at the law school gave me my career, it's been a troubling few days. But even as I doubt many ppl care about one random poster's views, I feel I ought to respond for my own sake.
Continuing our cursed game of Constitution Bingo, can an EO violate the Bill of Attainder Clause?
Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Purpose. The
www.whitehouse.gov
March 7, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Continuing our cursed game of Constitution Bingo, can an EO violate the Bill of Attainder Clause?
I guess we need to wait to see the opinion, but if the D.C. Cir. is going to stay the Dellinger (OSC) injunction pending appeal, it presumably would reach the same conclusion in the Harris (MSPB) case. Which would render the MSPB inquorate just as the WH is mass firing civil servants. Just great.
March 6, 2025 at 3:40 AM
I guess we need to wait to see the opinion, but if the D.C. Cir. is going to stay the Dellinger (OSC) injunction pending appeal, it presumably would reach the same conclusion in the Harris (MSPB) case. Which would render the MSPB inquorate just as the WH is mass firing civil servants. Just great.
The ongoing game of Obscure Constitutional Bingo continues, and the Export Clause prepares for its 15 minutes of fame. (I suppose his point might have been that US farmers should be ready to fill the demand left open by the import tariffs on competitive goods from outside the US?)
March 3, 2025 at 8:07 PM
The ongoing game of Obscure Constitutional Bingo continues, and the Export Clause prepares for its 15 minutes of fame. (I suppose his point might have been that US farmers should be ready to fill the demand left open by the import tariffs on competitive goods from outside the US?)
LGM! '86 variety.
February 17, 2025 at 3:06 AM
LGM! '86 variety.
I guess it's good to know where "opposition to the electric vehicle transition,""preventing waste, fraud, and abuse in government contracting," and simple graft rank in the Administration's hierarchy of values.
www.npr.org/2025/02/13/g...
www.npr.org/2025/02/13/g...
Trump administration set to purchase $400 million worth of armored Teslas
That's according to a public State Department procurement document. It comes as ethics experts raise conflict of interest questions about the chief executive of Tesla, Elon Musk, who is a top White Ho...
www.npr.org
February 13, 2025 at 3:52 PM
I guess it's good to know where "opposition to the electric vehicle transition,""preventing waste, fraud, and abuse in government contracting," and simple graft rank in the Administration's hierarchy of values.
www.npr.org/2025/02/13/g...
www.npr.org/2025/02/13/g...
I don't know if NY or Kings County has a stronger case in terms of jurisdiction over the relevant acts, but one of those DAs should seek a state indictment post haste. This is ridiculous (and corrupt).
"'You are directed to dismiss” the charges, Emil Bove, the Justice Department’s acting No. 2 official, wrote in a letter to prosecutors, according to two people briefed on its contents." -- www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/n...
Justice Dept. Seeks Dismissal of Federal Corruption Case Against Adams
The New York City mayor cultivated a close relationship with President Trump, who said they had both been persecuted.
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2025 at 11:57 PM
I don't know if NY or Kings County has a stronger case in terms of jurisdiction over the relevant acts, but one of those DAs should seek a state indictment post haste. This is ridiculous (and corrupt).
Reposted by Russell Steinthal
Reposted by Russell Steinthal
Understanding this skeet is the height of political knowledge right now.
We cannot let Eagle Ed Martin send Will Stancil to a Salvadoran gang prison because he made fun of BigBalls broccoli hair
February 4, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Understanding this skeet is the height of political knowledge right now.
So does Sec. Bessent now get to cast two votes on the Financial Stability Oversight Council - one as SecTreas and another as CFPB Director? (Is that perhaps an indication that Congress didn't want the same person holding both roles?)
home.treasury.gov
February 3, 2025 at 6:52 PM
So does Sec. Bessent now get to cast two votes on the Financial Stability Oversight Council - one as SecTreas and another as CFPB Director? (Is that perhaps an indication that Congress didn't want the same person holding both roles?)
You have a successful legal career and are appointed to a lifetime position as a federal district judge. And then the Trump Administration puts you in a position of having to say things like "And as it pertains to (skeptical voice) 'wokeness,' is that just the gender ideology portion?" Oy.
February 3, 2025 at 4:42 PM
You have a successful legal career and are appointed to a lifetime position as a federal district judge. And then the Trump Administration puts you in a position of having to say things like "And as it pertains to (skeptical voice) 'wokeness,' is that just the gender ideology portion?" Oy.