Quote:
Originally Posted by txdot-guy
It’s a question alright and an absurd one at that. The special counsel acts under the authority of the Attorney General. Any prosecution resulting is done at the discretion of the attorney general.blah blah blah
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The appointments clause requires all federal offices “not otherwise provided for” in the Constitution to be established by law.
There is no statute establishing the Office of Special Counsel within the U.S. Department of Justice.
Nor is there a statute allowing the attorney general to appoint an inferior officer special counsel with the powers given to Smith.
Inferior officers, in any event, must be controlled by a superior officer, but Garland doesn’t have that power over Smith under DOJ regulations.
The appointments clause makes clear that the “default mode” of appointment for all officers is presidential nomination, Senate confirmation and presidential appointment.
Enjoy your beliefs... not appointed by the President, not confirmed by the Senate... so not vested with the power to prosecute.
SCOTUS will show you the way.