Trump's Vexatious Legal Tactics Highlighted

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Legal columnist Jack Greiner examines how President Donald Trump's frequent and often frivolous lawsuits fit the definition of a 'vexatious litigator' under both federal and state laws. Greiner cites Trump's history of initiating numerous criminal and civil cases, many of which have been shut down by the courts as overreach, as evidence that the president is abusing the legal system.

Why it matters

Trump's pattern of vexatious litigation raises concerns about the misuse of the courts and the potential for such behavior to undermine the rule of law. As a high-profile public figure, Trump's actions set an example that could encourage others to file frivolous lawsuits, clogging up the legal system.

The details

Greiner notes that under federal law, a 'vexatious litigator' is someone who 'multiplies the proceedings in any case unreasonably and vexatiously.' In Ohio, a 'vexatious litigator' is defined as someone who 'has habitually, persistently, and without reasonable grounds engaged in vexatious conduct in a civil action or actions.' Greiner points to Trump's history of initiating numerous criminal and civil cases, many of which have been shut down by the courts, as evidence that the president fits this definition.

• In recent criminal cases initiated by the Trump administration, the president's 'vexatious leanings' have been highlighted.
• On the civil side, Trump has fared no better, with courts shutting down his 'legal overreach' in multiple cases.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The federal vexatious litigator statute allows the court to impose sanctions on a case-by-case basis for vexatious conduct. Congress could also consider adopting a law similar to Ohio's, which allows a court to ban a vexatious litigator from instituting legal actions in any state courts.