What was the basis for the judge's decision to fine DA Fani Willis for violating the Open Records Act?

The judge determined that DA Fani Willis's office exhibited 'open hostility' and lacked good faith in handling records requests from attorney Ashleigh Merchant, finding their actions to be intentional and substantially groundless.

What are the implications of DA Fani Willis being barred from prosecuting the Trump election interference case?

The case against Trump and others is in a precarious position due to Willis's disqualification. The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that Willis and her office could not continue the prosecution due to an appearance of impropriety related to a personal relationship with a special prosecutor.

How does DA Fani Willis plan to respond to the judge's order?

DA Fani Willis's office plans to appeal the order requiring them to pay over $54,000 in attorney fees and to comply with the Open Records Act by providing the requested documents.

What specific records did attorney Ashleigh Merchant request that led to the Open Records Act violation?

Merchant requested reports on how DA Willis's statements were received by the public, a copy of the non-disclosure agreement signed by DA office employees, and a list of hired attorneys.

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9M ago

Fulton County DA Fani Willis Fined and Ordered to Comply with Open Records Law

Judge orders DA Fani Willis to pay $54K in attorney fees for violating open records law in Trump election interference case.

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Fulton County DA Fani Willis has been ordered to pay over $54,000 in attorney fees for violating Georgia’s Open Records Act. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Rachel Krause found that Willis's office was hostile and intentionally non-compliant with records requests from attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who represents Michael Roman, indicted alongside Trump for alleged election interference in Georgia. The judge ruled that Willis's failures were intentional and lacked good faith, prompting an appeal from her office. Despite controversies, Willis won reelection in November, amid significant scrutiny over her management of the Trump case, now complicated by conflicts of interest.

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Judge says Fani Willis violated open records law, orders her to pay $54K in attorneys' fees

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: The judge determined that DA Fani Willis's office exhibited 'open hostility' and lacked good faith in handling records requests from attorney Ashleigh Merchant, finding their actions to be intentional and substantially groundless.
Sources:
Fox 5 Atlanta ABC News
: The case against Trump and others is in a precarious position due to Willis's disqualification. The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that Willis and her office could not continue the prosecution due to an appearance of impropriety related to a personal relationship with a special prosecutor.
Sources:
ABC News Fox 5 Atlanta
: DA Fani Willis's office plans to appeal the order requiring them to pay over $54,000 in attorney fees and to comply with the Open Records Act by providing the requested documents.
Sources:
ABC News Fox 5 Atlanta
: Merchant requested reports on how DA Willis's statements were received by the public, a copy of the non-disclosure agreement signed by DA office employees, and a list of hired attorneys.
Sources:
ABC News

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