Federal Prosecution
Federal prosecution refers to the legal process through which the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigates, charges, and prosecutes individuals for offenses that violate federal laws or occur on federal property. This process is primarily conducted by United States Attorneys, who serve as the chief federal law enforcement officers in various judicial districts across the country. Federal prosecution encompasses a broad range of criminal offenses, including serious cases involving drug trafficking, fraud, weapons offenses, immigration violations, and public corruption. In recent months, federal prosecutions have surged, highlighting ongoing issues of jurisdiction and enforcement priorities in the U.S. legal system. Recent reports reveal that federal prosecutions have increased significantly, with categories such as immigration cases dominating the landscape. In 2025, more than half of federal prosecutions were related to immigration issues, alongside notable rises in drug-related offenses and corporate misconduct. This growing volume of cases reflects not only the DOJ’s evolving enforcement priorities but also broader discussions on the balance between federal and state jurisdictions, particularly regarding alleged over-federalization of offenses traditionally managed at the local level. The procedural intricacies of federal court procedure, including adherence to federal sentencing guidelines and the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, are pivotal in navigating these complex legal waters. With ongoing debates about the implications of federal prosecutorial strategy and jurisdiction, understanding federal prosecution remains essential for grasping the interactions between law enforcement and the evolving landscape of American justice.
Does the Governor of New York have the power to remove the Mayor of New York City?
Yes, the Governor of New York possesses this extraordinary power, though it has never been used in the state's 230-year history. Governor Hochul has been reluctant to use it, considering it potentially undemocratic since voters elected Adams. Initially, she preferred letting voters decide in the upcoming November election when Adams is up for reelection. However, she recently changed her position and is now actively considering removal, holding meetings with top Democratic leaders. Her decision may depend on the outcome of a pivotal federal hearing scheduled for the following day.
Watch clip answer (00:50m)
CBS News
02:33 - 03:23
What is happening in the federal hearing concerning NYC Mayor Eric Adams and what are its key details?
Tomorrow at 2:00pm, Federal Judge Dale Ho will hold a hearing requiring both the Trump Department of Justice and Mayor Adams' team to attend. The DOJ must explain their reasoning for why the corruption charges against Adams should be dropped. This hearing stems from a lengthy investigation that began in November 2023 when Mayor Adams' cell phone was confiscated, ultimately leading to September 2024 charges of corruption and bribery. The case represents a significant development in the federal prosecution of a sitting mayor and will determine the future of these serious allegations.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)CBS News
00:23 - 01:00
How could the public sympathy for Luigi Mangione factor into whether his case becomes a death penalty case?
The death penalty decision ultimately rests with the Department of Justice, which follows an internal policy that typically restricts federal prosecution unless there's a compelling federal interest not addressed in state proceedings. While public sympathy might influence the case, the DOJ will make this determination based on established guidelines. Similar considerations occurred in high-profile cases like Derek Chauvin's and the McMichaels' trials, where federal charges were pursued due to civil rights issues. The sympathy factor will be just one element in a complex decision-making process that weighs legal precedent and prosecutorial discretion.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)
Law&Crime Network
30:10 - 30:51
What is happening with the corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams?
A federal judge is about to decide on the Justice Department's controversial request to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The hearing, scheduled to take place within an hour of the news report, will require the Justice Department to explain their reasoning for this unusual move. The case involves serious allegations including conspiracy and bribery related to foreign campaign contributions. The decision is particularly notable as it comes from a Trump-appointed acting Deputy Attorney General, raising questions about potential political motivations and the integrity of the Justice Department's actions in this high-profile corruption case.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)
CBS News
00:02 - 00:20
Who is Judge Dale Ho and what is his role in the case involving NYC Mayor Eric Adams?
Judge Dale Ho is a Biden-appointed judge who previously worked for the ACLU. He is presiding over a crucial hearing to evaluate whether to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The judge convened both parties after the Justice Department officially filed a motion to dismiss charges that included conspiracy and bribery allegations. Judge Ho's role is to hear arguments from both sides regarding the alleged quid pro quo and the Department of Justice's rationale for dropping the charges.
Watch clip answer (02:09m)CBS News
00:49 - 02:59
What is unusual about the upcoming hearing regarding Mayor Eric Adams' criminal case?
The upcoming hearing regarding Mayor Eric Adams' criminal case features the unusual circumstance of the Justice Department filing a motion to dismiss serious federal bribery charges against him. While such dismissal hearings are typically routine proceedings where judges defer to prosecutors' recommendations, this case stands out because multiple prosecutors have reportedly resigned in protest rather than dismiss the case. This rare occurrence of prosecutor resignations signals significant internal conflict within the Justice Department about the handling of the case, suggesting the dismissal may be politically motivated rather than based on prosecutorial merit. The situation represents a concerning deviation from standard legal practices in high-profile political cases.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)
MSNBC
17:49 - 18:07