Story perspectives

Justice Department Pardon Attorney Charged with Ethics Violations

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The District of Columbia's Board on Professional Responsibility charged Ed Martin, the U.S. Justice Department's Pardon Attorney, with ethics violations.
The charges stem from threatening letters he sent to Georgetown University Law Center about its DEI policies.
He allegedly violated the First and Fifth Amendments by coercing Georgetown University Law Center to change its curriculum or risk funding.
His tenure has drawn scrutiny, leading to his removal from consideration for U.S. attorney and disciplinary proceedings.

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Story summary

The District of Columbia's Board on Professional Responsibility charged Ed Martin, the U.S. Justice Department's Pardon Attorney, with ethics violations.
The charges stem from threatening letters he sent to Georgetown University Law Center about its DEI policies.
He allegedly violated the First and Fifth Amendments by coercing Georgetown University Law Center to change its curriculum or risk funding.
His tenure has drawn scrutiny, leading to his removal from consideration for U.S. attorney and disciplinary proceedings.