The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Feb. 20 that it has determined that multiple layers of removal restrictions shielding administrative law judges are unconstitutional and that it will no longer defend them in court.
Administrative law judges (ALJs) preside over administrative disputes in the federal government and are appointed by the heads of executive agencies.
Chad Mizelle, the DOJ’s chief of staff, said in a statement that “unelected and constitutionally unaccountable ALJs have exercised immense power for far too long.”
“In accordance with Supreme Court precedent, the Department is restoring constitutional accountability so that Executive Branch officials answer to the President and to the people,” Mizelle said….