Judge Furman rejects DOJ's legal defense of Comey's firing
Jesse FurmanU.S. district judge, Southern District of New York
Furman concludes that the removal violated statutory limits and grants relief for the period before Comey took another job.
“For the reasons set forth above, the Court concludes that Comey’s removal was unlawful.”
Original text
Where this statement fits
DOJ defends Maurene Comey's firing; Judge Furman rules it unlawful
Judge Jesse Furman ruled that DOJ unlawfully fired Maurene Comey and ordered retroactive relief through December 20, 2025. DOJ disputes the ruling and intends to appeal. The disagreement centers on whether civil-service limits can constitutionally constrain executive removal authority.
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Original text
About this source
Judge Jesse Furman rules on statutory and constitutional challenges to Maurene Comey's firing. The opinion separately addresses claims that remain unresolved.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The opinion considers statutory removal power, civil-service protections and the government's Article II defense.
After the quotation
The court rules for DOJ on Count Three, dismisses Counts Seven through Ten, and reserves Count Four for supplemental briefing. Back-pay amount and fees also remain unresolved.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference is DOJ's firing of Comey. The ruling expressly rejects the legality of that action.
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More from this case
Read the full caseMaurene Comey's lawyers praise the ruling that the firing was unlawful
“the President is not above the law”Read statement
DOJ says it will appeal the Comey firing ruling
United States Department of Justice
“disagrees with this decision and will appeal in due course.”Read statement
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- Judge Furman rejects DOJ's legal defense of Comey's firing
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The Dispute Index. "Judge Furman rejects DOJ's legal defense of Comey's firing". First published: 2026-10-26. Last updated: 2026-10-26. https://disputeindex.com/events/6862-furman-concludes-that-the-removal-violated-statutory-limits