General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Trump and Kushner must be prosecuted for crimes against humanity [View all]JHB
(37,160 posts)...namely, tightening the rules and requirements for the 3-judge panel that oversaw the Independent Counsel under that law in effect at that time, and similar situations under current law.
The 1978 Ethics in Government Act contained a provision that "priority shall be given to senior circuit judges and retired judges." This was ensure the panel was composed of judges who'd already hit the apex of their careers and wouldn't be influenced by outside influences on the course of those careers. It was felt that younger judges were more likely to have political ambitions which could influence their decision-making.
Chief Justice Rehnquist simply ignored that provision when appointing the under-50, politically active David Sentelle to the panel.
Without Sentelle, Robert Fiske wouldn't have been removed and replaced with Ken Starr.