U.S. District Judge Linda Parker of the Eastern District of Michigan said attorneys “had been involved in lawsuits” that were “abusive and, in turn, punishable.”
“Sanctions are required to deter the filing of future frivolous lawsuits aimed primarily at disseminating the narrative that shows that our electoral processes are lengthy and that our democratic institutions cannot be trusted,” the judge wrote in a 110-page ruling .
Parker orders attorneys to reimburse attorneys’ fees paid by state officials in the city of Detroit and Michigan to seek sanctions. Lawyers must also take legal education classes, the judge said, and she refers her decision to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission and “the appropriate disciplinary authority for the jurisdiction (s) where each lawyer is admitted.” for possible disciplinary actions.
Powell, Wood and the lawyer representing them in the sanctions dispute did not immediately respond to CNN emails requesting comments.