Published on April 6, 2024, 12:32 am

John Eastman, a respected lawyer, and legal scholar, is an acquaintance whom I had the chance to know during my 2018 week-long legal fellowship at Claremont Institute where he previously served as an overseer. An experienced former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas who also ran for the post of California attorney general and served as the dean at Chapman University School of Law, John has been through unimaginable challenges ever since the controversial 2020 presidential election.

His trials have been numerous and troubling. Despite his contributions and long service as a constitutional law professor including being a dean at one time, Eastman was forced into early retirement from his teaching post. He lost his position as a visiting scholar at University of Colorado’s Benson Center for Western Civilization. His privacy was violated when armed federal agents took possession of his phone without any legal clearance. Both him and his wife experienced terrifying threats against their lives. A spike in vandalism around their neighborhood added to their distress.

Alarming repercussions did not stop there; Bank of America and USAA decided to no longer do business with Eastman. Adding insult to injury was Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis deciding to pursue criminal charges against him. Following this was State Bar Court of California Judge Yvette Roland’s extensive 128-page report proposing that he should be disbarred.

The string of misfortunes visited upon John is mainly because he chose to do what any ethical law student would – stand up for an unpopular client regardless how disreputable they may seem in general public view. In this particular case, the much-maligned client happened to be ex-President Donald Trump.

As tensions escalated leading up to January 6th, 2021 U.S Capitol attack, rampant misinformation regarding John’s activities abounded owing largely part to corporate media outlets and democrat-lawfare complex framing it in negative light – fomenting insurrection or encouraging overturning elections – which is an irresponsible exaggeration.

Refer to “Setting the Record Straight on the POTUS ‘Ask'” – an eloquent essay John crafted that appeared in Claremont’s American Mind online journal on Jan 18, 2021, for a clear exposition of his side. His argument regarding the questionable constitutionality of the Electoral Count of 1887 and vice president’s role in certifying elector states through the lens of 12th Amendment are debatable but not outlandish.

American judicial system has tolerated far more frivolous arguments proposed daily across courtrooms nationwide. But post-2020 election scenario saw not only John but also former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark at risk of losing their law licenses due to their legal activity.

At one point, there was a greater appreciation from those on the political left when it came to ensuring every American was entitled to quality legal representation irrespective of how government or societal elites viewed them. Let’s reminisce about an instance in 1770s – before independent America was born – wherein future US President John Adams took upon himself to defend British soldiers involved in infamous Boston Massacre. Reflecting on his life later, he considered that act as one of his finest service moments to his country.

It makes you wonder whether Willis and Roland would have condemned Adams too for his actions considering their barring lawyers for practicing their professions resulted from distinctly partisan decision-making which challenges rule of law and intimidates those who might consider representing prominent Republican clients or associating with Republican Department of Justice even as they camouflage this agenda under guise of ‘upholding democracy’. It is important now more than ever that we safeguard real news from trusted sources and maintain a Christian worldview amidst distortion.