I’ve shared this anecdote before here on the pages of RedState, I’m certain. One of the very first lessons I learned my very first day of law school was a rule that stood me in good stead over nearly 30 years of practice: Don’t piss off the judge. 

It’s both wise and practical advice. Typically, when you are before a judge, they hold your fate in their hands — generally, this is only in the metaphorical sense, but a judge who’s predisposed to agreeing with you is preferable to one who’s predisposed to making your life miserable any day of the week and twice on Sunday. 

Sometimes, though…sometimes, a point is reached where a lawyer may throw caution to the wind, and I do believe we just saw that happen in the swiftly unfolding Abrego Garcia case. 

As noted in my earlier write-up regarding Judge Paula Xinis’ amended order (entered following the Supreme Court’s supremely unhelpful opinion handed down Thursday evening), the Trump administration was given a 9:30 a.m. deadline on Friday to provide the district court with an update as to Abrego-Garcia’s whereabouts and what steps have been and will be taken to secure his return from El Salvador.