AXIOS (Josephine Walker) - Blanche warned of contempt risk in Epstein files case
A federal judge warned Attorney General Todd Blanche Wednesday that he could face contempt proceedings if the Department of Justice fails to comply with an order involving the release or review of Epstein files. Why it matters: The case could force DOJ to release additional Epstein records or remove redactions that a court determines aren't permitted under the law. What they're saying: U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan wrote in a 20-page order Wednesday that a civil contempt charge would be "premature" for now, but warned it could become appropriate if Blanche fails to comply with the court's renewed order. - "[C]ourts have the inherent power to enforce compliance with their lawful orders through civil contempt," Sullivan wrote. -…
A federal judge warned Attorney General Todd Blanche Wednesday that he could face contempt proceedings if the Department of Justice fails to comply with an order involving the release or review of Epstein files. Why it matters: The case could force DOJ to release additional Epstein records or remove redactions that a court determines aren't permitted under the law. What they're saying: U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan wrote in a 20-page order Wednesday that a civil contempt charge would be "premature" for now, but warned it could become appropriate if Blanche fails to comply with the court's renewed order. - "[C]ourts have the inherent power to enforce compliance with their lawful orders through civil contempt," Sullivan wrote. -…Open