A Second Bill of Particulars

This presentation, based on David Schultz's recent article in Bench & Bar with the same title, will explore how Donald Trump's presidency serves as a modern "second bill of particulars," providing a comprehensive catalog of executive abuses that threaten American democracy.

Drawing parallels with Thomas Jefferson's grievances against King George III, the presentation will dive into:

• Undermining Democratic Elections: Examination of efforts to sow distrust in electoral processes and the implications for democratic legitimacy.
• Executive Power Misuse: Analysis of the use of executive orders and other presidential powers to bypass Congress and constitutional checks, including the misuse of the judicial system to avoid accountability.
• Attacks on Rule of Law: Insights into how Trump's administration has challenged judicial independence and norms that safeguard democratic principles.
• Impact on Marginalized Communities: Discussion on policies targeting minority groups, including efforts to restrict immigration and roll back protections for marginalized communities.
• The Role of Legal Professionals: A call to action for attorneys, judges, and legal professionals to defend the rule of law and prevent the normalization of illegality and authoritarianism.

This presentation aims to not only inform but also provoke a dialogue about the responsibilities of legal professionals in preserving democracy.