Justice & LawBrief
Judge Reyes plans to name special master in East Potomac case
The proposed reviewer would examine whether federal officials and lawyers misled the judge, with the parties able to respond before an appointment.
The numbers
- Residents who joined the DC Preservation League’s announced challenge
- 2 local residents
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes intends to appoint former U.S. attorney Jessie Liu as a special master in the East Potomac Golf litigation, The Associated Press reported on November 7.
Liu formerly held the U.S. attorney post for the District of Columbia; under the proposal, she would review whether Interior Department and National Park Service officials and Justice Department lawyers misled Reyes during the case, AP reported. The parties have an opportunity to respond before an appointment is made.
AP reported that Reyes announced a formal inquiry into government conduct at an October 30 hearing. Her proposal to name Liu concerns that existing inquiry.
The case concerns a challenge involving East Potomac Park and its golf course in Washington. In its February 13 announcement, the DC Preservation League said it and two local residents were bringing the challenge, alleging dumping and threats to continued public access. The group said it sought to protect the park and course as public recreation space.
What we don't know yet
- How will the parties respond to Reyes’s proposed appointment?
- Will Reyes appoint Liu as special master after hearing from the parties?
- What will the proposed review conclude if an appointment is made?
Timeline
The DC Preservation League announced its challenge with two local residents.
Reyes announced a formal inquiry into government conduct at a hearing, AP reported.
AP reported Reyes’s intent to appoint Liu as a special master.