2/ Emptywheel:

Thomas: How do we determine what an official act is?

Ut oh.

3/ Via Scott MacFarlane:

Here comes the first hypothetical question. Chief Justice John Roberts asks ... what about an official act taken by a President (appointing an ambassador)... "for a bribe?"

Roberts - the bribe isn't an official act. But the appointing of an ambassador is one

(NOTE: I’M HAVING ENOUGH PROBLEMS TRYING TO DO ONE THREAD, LET ALONE 2, LET ALONE HAVING A DR APPT SOON… SO I’LL BE CUTTING ALL OF THIS SHORT SOON)

4/ Via MacFarlane:

Justice Sotomayor interjects with next hypothetical.... about what happens if a President orders an assassination.. "for personal reasons"

The DC appeals court used similar hypotheticals in January (Bribes and assassination)

Sotomayor cites amicus briefs received by Supreme Court in this case detailing how founding fathers once considered immunity for President, but didn't include immunity in founding documents of our nation

5/ I’m sure I’ve messed up the thread, and I’m posting when I can.

Elie Mystal:

Every Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch question is frankly code for "remand."

Roberts is not for remand. This could come down to Barrett.
#SCOTUS

6/ Oy.

Mystal:

Kagan: Can the president order a coup?
Sauer: If it's.. I did the job...
Kagan: CAN THE PRESIDENT ORDER A COUP?
Sauer: YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT HE CAN!