MacIver Institute Filed Brief in Eastman Case
The group supports a Supreme Court review of John Eastman's California law license disbarment.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Law
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The John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the disbarment of attorney John Eastman. The filing supports Eastman's request for the high court to review the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold the revocation of his law license.
Why it matters
The MacIver Institute argues that state bars lack the legal jurisdiction to strip law licenses based on findings that an attorney violated federal law. This challenge touches on the broader balance of power between state regulatory bodies and federal legal standards.
The California Supreme Court declined to review the disbarment case on April 15, 2026. This follows the California State Bar's decision to revoke the license based on actions related to the January 6, 2021, electoral vote count.
The players
John Eastman
He is an attorney whose California law license was revoked following findings related to his actions on January 6, 2021.
John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy
Based in Madison, this organization is a public policy group that filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the petition for Supreme Court review.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who granted a full pardon to John Eastman for federal offenses in November 2025.
James Troupis
He is a Wisconsin attorney who was the subject of a disciplinary investigation request filed by Law Forward in December 2024.
Law Forward
This legal organization advocates for democracy and rule of law issues and initiated investigations into Wisconsin legal professionals.
The details
The California State Bar revoked Eastman's license after determining he violated federal law through his actions surrounding the 2021 electoral vote count. Although President Donald Trump granted Eastman a full pardon for federal offenses in November 2025, no federal prosecutors ever filed criminal charges against him.
Timeline
January 6, 2021: Alleged federal law interference with Congress electoral vote count occurred.
December 2024: Law Forward requested a disciplinary investigation into Wisconsin attorney James Troupis.
November 2025: President Donald Trump granted John Eastman a full pardon for federal offenses.
April 15, 2026: The California Supreme Court refused to hear the Eastman disbarment case.
September 11, 2026: Attorneys for John Eastman filed a request for U.S. Supreme Court review.
Political Context
Opponents of the brief argue that state bar associations maintain the inherent right to discipline attorneys who violate professional conduct standards, regardless of the underlying legal venue. Critics emphasize that disbarment proceedings are distinct from criminal prosecution and remain within the purview of state oversight.
The Supreme Court's decision on this case will clarify whether state-level professional licensing boards can effectively penalize attorneys for conduct involving federal electoral processes. A ruling could influence future disciplinary actions taken against lawyers participating in high-stakes political litigation across all states.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tension between state-level professional discipline and federal political activity. Readers should observe how the court defines the limitations of state regulatory power in matters involving national governance.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urban Milwaukee.
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