U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui refused to approve a superseding criminal complaint seeking to add obstruction charges against former FBI officials Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides

Federal and state court systems of the United States, judicial appointments, constitutional interpretation and the rulings that decide policy when the other branches deadlock. Life tenure for federal judges makes each confirmation a durable political stake rather than a procedural step.

Political controversies, alleged misconduct and ethics disputes involving United States public officials, institutions and campaigns, together with the official and journalistic inquiries that pursue them. Covers congressional oversight, inspector general reports and the reporting that forces an inquiry into the open.