ORAL ARGUMENT HELD IN FOURTH CIRCUIT APPEAL OF ALLEN V. BEIRICH AND SPLC DISMISSAL
On Tuesday, January 26, 2021, I argued my SPLC appeal in the Fourth Circuit before Judges Motz, Agee, and Keenan. This oral argument, including both sides, is about 40 minutes long. Here is an audio of the argument: https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/OAarchive/mp3/19-2419-20210126.mp3
The judges seemed to have read the briefs and asked appropriate questions, including some rather difficult ones for the SPLC’s attorney, Chad Bowman. Mr. Bowman contended, among other arguments, that it was irrelevant the SPLC is a law firm and 501c3 subject to canons of legal ethics and 501c3 requirements. I, of course, argued as strongly as I could that the SPLC has abused whatever First Amendment protections it might have had.
My co-counsel, Frederick Kelly, and I prepared assiduously for the oral argument. Overall I did my best to persuade the Court to hold the SPLC accountable, as it has never been, for its unethical and unlawful conduct. I expect it will take the court at least six months to render its decision.