Media outlets turn to L&C law professors to explain events of Oregon militia standoff trial

Professors Tung Yin, Mike Blumm, and Susan Mandiberg have been very busy the past few weeks as several media outlets have turned to them to explain the case against the seven members of an armed militia that occupied the Malheur County Wildlife Refuge in rural Oregon in January. The defendants, who occupied the land for 41 days before being arrested, were facing weapons charges and conspiracy to intimidate federal workers. In a stunning and unexpected outcome, a jury acquitted all defendants, leaving many people shocked and questioning what went wrong for the prosecution.

Professor Yin, who admittedly felt the prosecution had a “slam dunk” case, speaks with several reporters to try to flush out the reasons the jury acquitted and what that might look like for upcoming related trials, including those of Aamon and Ryan Bundy, the brothers who led the occupation. Professor Blumm says there is “no basis” for the group’s constitutional arguments about public lands, and that there’s a concern the result of the trial will fuel a political movement.

For those following the case, or wanting to learn more, the following news items may provide some insight.

The Guardian - Oregon militia standoff trial: shock and anger after Bundys found not guilty

LA Times - How the government lost its case against the Oregon occupiers

The Washington Times - Prosecutors blamed for bungling Bundy case by forcing conspiracy charge

Greenwire - Bundys acquitted in ‘huge setback for the government’

Outside - How Did the Malheur Occupiers Get Away Scot-Free?

Oregonian - U.S. Marshals’ tackling of Ammon Bundy’s lawyer creates buzz in legal community

The Daily Beast - Oregon Verdict Gives Anti-Government Movement Hope

Oregonian - Bundy, like Trump, further splits a divided society

The Register Guard - Verdict in refuge occupation trial elicits wide disbelief

Washington Post - Those who took plea deals in Oregon standoff weigh options

Television/Radio:
KGW News - Law professor weighs in on Bundy not-guilty verdict

Fox 12 Oregon - Local leaders, law experts share thoughts on standoff verdict

Southern California Public Radio - In light of surprise Malheur Refuge verdict, a look at the history of jury nullification