News / FJP Releases
Judge’s Ruling in AG Letitia James Case Protects the Rule of Law, Exposes Deeply Unjust Process
November 24, 2025 (Norfolk, VA) — The dismissal of the case against New York Attorney General Letitia James is a clear affirmation of the rule of law and a rejection of efforts to use the justice system for political purposes. The court found that the prosecutor was unlawfully appointed, rendering the indictment unconstitutional. Career prosecutors had already reviewed the evidence and declined to bring charges because the case lacked merit, only to be replaced when they refused to abandon their professional judgment. Today’s ruling confirms the concerns raised by legal experts across the political spectrum and exposes the retaliatory nature of this prosecution.
Yet the outcome alone cannot repair the fundamental injustice at the heart of this case. A fair judicial system depends on a fair process, and that process was deeply compromised here. Even when courts ultimately correct an improper charge, the damage done by an unlawful or politically driven prosecution persists. Individuals unjustly prosecuted face financial strain, personal upheaval, and a lasting public stigma that does not disappear when charges are dismissed. The mere act of bringing a baseless indictment sends a chilling message about who can be targeted and why. These harms undermine trust in the legal system and weaken the foundation of democratic stability.
Today’s ruling affirms the concerns FJP raised after the indictment and makes clear that the case was shaped by a process that failed to meet basic legal and ethical standards. The court’s decision provides an important course correction, but it also underscores why safeguarding fair procedure and prosecutorial independence is essential to preserving trust in the system.
Fair and Just Prosecution’s Executive Director Aramis Ayala had the following statement:
“Today’s dismissal is the correct outcome, but a fair outcome cannot erase the injustice of an unfair process. The case against Attorney General James grew out of retaliation and was advanced through an unlawful appointment. A fair judicial system demands more than the right ending. It requires a process that is lawful, ethical, and free from political interference at every step. That is why prosecutors must follow the facts, uphold the Constitution, and serve with integrity. By throwing out this unlawful indictment, the court sent a clear message that political retaliation has no place in our justice system. Correcting this harm is essential, but preventing the next one is equally urgent.”