A federal judge has postponed the sentencing of seven pro-life activists who were charged by lame-duck President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice (DOJ).
The judge’s decision indicates that the outcome of the 2024 presidential election has had a major influence on their case.
The delay is tied to changes in the administration that could affect the application of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, Breitbart reported.
Judge Matthew Leitman of the federal court has decided to pause the sentencing of seven activists.
The pro-lifers were convicted under the FACE Act following a 2020 protest in Michigan.
This move comes amid anticipation of policy shifts following the presidential election.
The activists had been facing up to ten years in prison.
However, their cases are now postponed to a status conference set for the week of March 24, 2025.
This decision by Judge Leitman reflects the potential for significant legal changes post-election.
During his campaign, President Donald Trump openly criticized the Biden administration’s aggressive enforcement of the FACE Act.
Trump especially blasted its use against pro-life advocates.
This criticism aligns with Trump’s promises to reassess such prosecutions.
The Biden administration’s prosecution of FACE Act cases has seen a notable increase since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022.
The Dobbs decision has led to heightened scrutiny of such cases.
Trump, signaling potential pardons, has mentioned several pro-life activists by name.
He asserts that their imprisonment was politically motivated and promises swift action once he’s sworn back into office.
In September 2023, Republican lawmakers including Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Mike Lee proposed a bill to repeal the FACE Act, which they argue has been misused to target pro-life activists.
In response to the judge’s unprecedented delay, Steve Crampton, senior counsel for the Thomas More Society, expressed surprise.
Crampton notes that such a postponement is highly unusual.
He believes the decision is possibly indicative of the politicized nature of these cases.
Crampton’s observation suggests a growing sentiment among legal experts that the application of the FACE Act could be reevaluated under the Trump administration.
As part of its defense strategy, the Thomas More Society is preparing formal petitions for pardons, anticipating a favorable shift with the new administration.
In his order dated November 19, Judge Leitman underscored the importance of reassessing the case after the election.
He reflected a judicial openness to potential executive and legislative changes.
Trump has vocally supported these activists, noting the excessive force in their arrests.
He pledged to address their cases as one of his first acts upon potentially returning to the White House.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) also highlighted the necessity of legislative action against what he views as persecution under the FACE Act.
There has been a significant push from some quarters to overhaul how the law is applied.
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