Chris Seaman
@cbseaman.bsky.social
Law professor at W&L teaching IP, property, election law and remedies. Husband of @elyons822. Childhood cancer dad.🎗️Pro-public education. All opinions my own.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
This poor child, this poor mom. This is just evil.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
This poor child, this poor mom. This is just evil.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Reposted by Chris Seaman
The Incompetents!
BREAKING: Comey case dismissed without prejudice. Halligan invalidly appointed, judge rules. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
November 24, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The Incompetents!
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Judge Ellis derides Greg Bovino as a serial fabulist who brazenly lied on the stand and seemingly considered it funny to perjure himself. cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
November 20, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Judge Ellis derides Greg Bovino as a serial fabulist who brazenly lied on the stand and seemingly considered it funny to perjure himself. cst.brightspotcdn.com/49/34/daecfb...
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Longstanding problem. Purcell fails on the most basic standard of what law is supposed to be: nobody knows what it means and nobody can know in advance how it will be applied. It's pure, arbitrary "I know it when I see it," untethered from any coherent test.
"Before folks assume that one side of this fight clearly acted in bad faith and the other didn’t, it’s worth indulging the possibility that Purcell itself is the culprit—and that its standardless-ness creates perverse incentives for lower courts in election cases."
Me on the TX redistricting case:
Me on the TX redistricting case:
Bonus 193: The Pernicious Effects of Purcell
The remarkable row between the majority and dissent in the three-judge district court's ruling in the Texas redistricting case can be traced directly to the Supreme Court's election-related case law.
www.stevevladeck.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Longstanding problem. Purcell fails on the most basic standard of what law is supposed to be: nobody knows what it means and nobody can know in advance how it will be applied. It's pure, arbitrary "I know it when I see it," untethered from any coherent test.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
heres an example of politico covering the news while still covering for trump. the headline says trump is calling for a "trial" for dems. but what trump actually said is the dems should be offed. its very plain what he said. not saying so is a cover-up.
November 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
heres an example of politico covering the news while still covering for trump. the headline says trump is calling for a "trial" for dems. but what trump actually said is the dems should be offed. its very plain what he said. not saying so is a cover-up.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
#BREAKING: Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers will immediately leave his role as an instructor at Harvard while the University investigates his ties to child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Summers Will Not Finish Semester of Teaching as Harvard Investigates Epstein Ties | News | The Harvard Crimson
Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers will immediately leave his role as an instructor at Harvard while the University investigates his ties to child sex trafficker Jeffrey E. Epstein.
www.thecrimson.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:30 AM
#BREAKING: Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers will immediately leave his role as an instructor at Harvard while the University investigates his ties to child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
The different approaches taken in the Texas redistricting case by two Republican-appointed judges, Judge Brown (following the law) and Judge Smith (deranged conspiracy theorizing), provide a pretty good microcosm of our legal culture.
November 19, 2025 at 9:12 PM
The different approaches taken in the Texas redistricting case by two Republican-appointed judges, Judge Brown (following the law) and Judge Smith (deranged conspiracy theorizing), provide a pretty good microcosm of our legal culture.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
This *entire* episode is all of the evidence anyone should ever need, regardless of their politics, for why it's important to have experienced career officials in key government positions (like U.S. Attorney), rather than partisan cronies (unlawfully) appointed solely to do the President's bidding.
The facts are complicated, but here’s a summary of what appears to have happened based on the filings and today’s hearing:
NEWS: During a hearing in federal court in VA, prosecutors confirmed that the operative indictment in the case against James Comey was never shown to or voted on by the entire grand jury before it was presented in open court.
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
November 19, 2025 at 6:41 PM
This *entire* episode is all of the evidence anyone should ever need, regardless of their politics, for why it's important to have experienced career officials in key government positions (like U.S. Attorney), rather than partisan cronies (unlawfully) appointed solely to do the President's bidding.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Bone-sawed body parts don't just "happen."
Disgusting.
Disgusting.
Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: "You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. You don't have to embarrass our guest."
November 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Bone-sawed body parts don't just "happen."
Disgusting.
Disgusting.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
He was held civilly liable for sexual abuse and slandered his accuser. He’s been accused by roughly two dozen women of rape and sexual assault. He was best friends with a pedophile. He bragged about grabbing women by the pussy and said Ivanka had to beg him not date younger than her when she was 17.
Nancy Mace: "You can see in the Epstein emails that he's clearly targeting President Trump as retribution for him being a good man ... he's a good man who protects women. That's what real men do."
November 18, 2025 at 5:06 PM
He was held civilly liable for sexual abuse and slandered his accuser. He’s been accused by roughly two dozen women of rape and sexual assault. He was best friends with a pedophile. He bragged about grabbing women by the pussy and said Ivanka had to beg him not date younger than her when she was 17.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Author Beth Macy, who wrote nonfiction bestseller "Dopesick" that became a miniseries, will seek the Democratic nomination to oppose GOP Rep. Ben Cline. Virginia's 6th District is safely red, but it may not be much longer if Democrats pass a new map. www.the-downballot.com/i/179197084/va
November 18, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Author Beth Macy, who wrote nonfiction bestseller "Dopesick" that became a miniseries, will seek the Democratic nomination to oppose GOP Rep. Ben Cline. Virginia's 6th District is safely red, but it may not be much longer if Democrats pass a new map. www.the-downballot.com/i/179197084/va
Reposted by Chris Seaman
BREAKING: In AAUP et al v. Trump (wall-to-wall union lawsuit challenging the administration’s unlawful use of TItle VI to reshape the University of California system), the faculty and staff of the UC system WON!!!
We were granted our preliminary injunction! @aaup.org
We were granted our preliminary injunction! @aaup.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:55 PM
BREAKING: In AAUP et al v. Trump (wall-to-wall union lawsuit challenging the administration’s unlawful use of TItle VI to reshape the University of California system), the faculty and staff of the UC system WON!!!
We were granted our preliminary injunction! @aaup.org
We were granted our preliminary injunction! @aaup.org
Reposted by Chris Seaman
The Court of Chancery spends a lot of time deciding cases that involve multi-billion-dollar deals. Its equity jurisdiction means it also gets to decide things like who should keep Tucker the Goldendoodle (don't worry, he's not getting cut in half) courts.delaware.gov/Opinions/Dow...
November 14, 2025 at 7:18 PM
The Court of Chancery spends a lot of time deciding cases that involve multi-billion-dollar deals. Its equity jurisdiction means it also gets to decide things like who should keep Tucker the Goldendoodle (don't worry, he's not getting cut in half) courts.delaware.gov/Opinions/Dow...
Reposted by Chris Seaman
DEVELOPING: The DOJs own data, provided as part of an ongoing lawsuit, appeared to show only about 2.5% of 614 people arrested by ICE on immigration violations in the Chicago area before Oct. 7 had criminal histories
Story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
Story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
Only 2.5% on list of 614 ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ arrestees had criminal histories, DOJ records show
Meanwhile, the other 598 people on the list had no listed criminal history at all.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:44 PM
DEVELOPING: The DOJs own data, provided as part of an ongoing lawsuit, appeared to show only about 2.5% of 614 people arrested by ICE on immigration violations in the Chicago area before Oct. 7 had criminal histories
Story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
Story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Jim leaves us with these questions. I will note that there appear to be several points that the Virginia State Bar, DC Bar, 2026 Virginia General Assembly, 2026 Governor of Virginia, and 2026 Attorney General of Virginia need to investigate.
November 14, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Jim leaves us with these questions. I will note that there appear to be several points that the Virginia State Bar, DC Bar, 2026 Virginia General Assembly, 2026 Governor of Virginia, and 2026 Attorney General of Virginia need to investigate.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
"The Cavalier Daily corresponded with former Rector Robert Hardie, whose term ended June 30, regarding the two accounts. He confirmed that he agreed with Ryan’s account.
'I concur fully with President Ryan’s recollection of events,' Hardie said."
Welp
www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
'I concur fully with President Ryan’s recollection of events,' Hardie said."
Welp
www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
Ryan and Sheridan provide full accounts of Ryan’s resignation. They differ significantly
“I concur fully with President Ryan’s recollection of events,” former Board Rector Robert Hardie said.
www.cavalierdaily.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:46 PM
"The Cavalier Daily corresponded with former Rector Robert Hardie, whose term ended June 30, regarding the two accounts. He confirmed that he agreed with Ryan’s account.
'I concur fully with President Ryan’s recollection of events,' Hardie said."
Welp
www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
'I concur fully with President Ryan’s recollection of events,' Hardie said."
Welp
www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Chris Seaman
I was not aware of this story, and I'm guessing that the University of Virginia wanted it that way augustafreepress.com/news/shame-o...
'Shame on UVA': Student producer fired for asking hard questions
A student journalist at UVA was fired for asking hard questions of UVA interim President Paul Mahoney and refusing to apologize.
augustafreepress.com
October 18, 2025 at 11:22 AM
I was not aware of this story, and I'm guessing that the University of Virginia wanted it that way augustafreepress.com/news/shame-o...
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Jim's account implies that members of the Board of Visitors/Youngkin Administration effectively colluded w/ DOJ (including 2 UVA alums) to oust him after DOJ brought its investigation.
Is it possible DOJ *initiated* its investigation w/ this goal--perhaps in consultation w/ those same parties?
Is it possible DOJ *initiated* its investigation w/ this goal--perhaps in consultation w/ those same parties?
Former UVA president Jim Ryan, who resigned over the summer due to pressure from the Trump Administration, just shared this 12-page letter with the Faculty Senate, detailing his experience with the Board of Visitors and DOJ.
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
November 14, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Jim's account implies that members of the Board of Visitors/Youngkin Administration effectively colluded w/ DOJ (including 2 UVA alums) to oust him after DOJ brought its investigation.
Is it possible DOJ *initiated* its investigation w/ this goal--perhaps in consultation w/ those same parties?
Is it possible DOJ *initiated* its investigation w/ this goal--perhaps in consultation w/ those same parties?
Reposted by Chris Seaman
November 14, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Reposted by Chris Seaman
UVA Pres. Ryan's letter isn't just about the DOJ though. It credibly details dubious conduct from many people who were supposed to put UVA's interests first and didn't (likely because they agreed with DOJ's far-right pressure campaign): the Board, the AG, outside counsel, etc.
Mafia governance in action
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
November 14, 2025 at 4:17 PM
UVA Pres. Ryan's letter isn't just about the DOJ though. It credibly details dubious conduct from many people who were supposed to put UVA's interests first and didn't (likely because they agreed with DOJ's far-right pressure campaign): the Board, the AG, outside counsel, etc.
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Mafia governance in action
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
November 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Mafia governance in action
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
Related to this, I have a pending FOIA request with UVA for the retainer agreement and billing records/invoices from McGuireWoods regarding UVA’s interactions with DOJ. It was filed on *July 2* and I still haven’t received a substantive reply. (The deadline is a maximum of 12 working days.)
Former UVA president Jim Ryan, who resigned over the summer due to pressure from the Trump Administration, just shared this 12-page letter with the Faculty Senate, detailing his experience with the Board of Visitors and DOJ.
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
November 14, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Related to this, I have a pending FOIA request with UVA for the retainer agreement and billing records/invoices from McGuireWoods regarding UVA’s interactions with DOJ. It was filed on *July 2* and I still haven’t received a substantive reply. (The deadline is a maximum of 12 working days.)
Reposted by Chris Seaman
Former UVA president Jim Ryan, who resigned over the summer due to pressure from the Trump Administration, just shared this 12-page letter with the Faculty Senate, detailing his experience with the Board of Visitors and DOJ.
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
November 14, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Former UVA president Jim Ryan, who resigned over the summer due to pressure from the Trump Administration, just shared this 12-page letter with the Faculty Senate, detailing his experience with the Board of Visitors and DOJ.
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
Reposted by Chris Seaman
As the Reporter for the Restatement of Copyright, I've stayed mostly quiet and allowed the Restatement to speak for itself. But since there is a group of people intent on distorting and maligning it, I want to highlight this thread by Brandon Butler, who served as an advisor to the project. 1/
As the usual suspects seem intent on manufacturing a controversy over the ALI's Restatement of Copyright, I want to resurface a couple of threads I've written in response to past eruptions of pique from these folks.
November 14, 2025 at 3:02 PM
As the Reporter for the Restatement of Copyright, I've stayed mostly quiet and allowed the Restatement to speak for itself. But since there is a group of people intent on distorting and maligning it, I want to highlight this thread by Brandon Butler, who served as an advisor to the project. 1/