Andrew Weissmann

Where Law Ends by Andrew Weissmann is a powerful and insightful examination of the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Weissmann, who served as the lead prosecutor in the investigation, offers an inside perspective on the challenges and limitations faced by the Special Counsel's Office. Through his analysis, he raises important questions about the effectiveness and accountability of the American legal system.

Overview:

Where Law Ends provides an in-depth exploration of the Mueller investigation, shedding light on the difficulties encountered by the team in their pursuit of justice. Weissmann examines the events leading up to the appointment of Robert Mueller as Special Counsel and offers a behind-the-scenes account of the investigation's key moments. The book raises important questions about the integrity of the justice system and the need for accountability.

Key Points / Ideas:

1. The Influence of Politics: Weissmann highlights the challenges posed by political pressure during the investigation. He emphasizes the need for prosecutors to have independence and discusses the difficulties faced when political motivations interfere with the pursuit of justice.

2. The Obstruction of Justice: The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the events that led to the investigation into potential obstruction of justice by President Donald Trump. Weissmann examines key incidents, such as the firing of FBI Director James Comey, and presents evidence that supports the case for obstruction.

3. The Role of the Special Counsel: Weissmann delves into the limitations of the Special Counsel's Office and its authority. He discusses the challenges faced in obtaining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and the impact of the Department of Justice's guidelines on the investigation.

4. The Manafort Case: The author provides an in-depth analysis of the prosecution of Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chairman. Weissmann outlines the complexities of the case, highlighting the challenges faced by the prosecution and the impact of Manafort's cooperation.

Significant Evidence and Examples:

1. Donald Trump's Obstruction Attempts: Weissmann presents various instances where President Trump attempted to obstruct the investigation, such as his request to Comey to drop the investigation into Michael Flynn and his efforts to fire Mueller. He offers a detailed account of these incidents and the evidence supporting the obstruction charges.

2. Manafort's Financial Crimes: Weissmann provides a thorough examination of Paul Manafort's financial crimes and their connection to the broader investigation. He outlines the evidence of money laundering, tax evasion, and other illegal activities committed by Manafort and explores how these actions intersected with Russian interference.

3. The Challenges of Cooperation: One of the key insights offered by Weissmann is the difficulty of securing cooperation from witnesses, including Manafort. The author discusses the challenges faced by prosecutors in convincing witnesses to provide truthful and valuable information, shedding light on the complexities of the investigation.

Conclusion:

Where Law Ends offers a compelling and thought-provoking analysis of the Mueller investigation. Andrew Weissmann's firsthand account provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by the Special Counsel's Office and the implications for the American justice system. The book raises important questions about political interference, the nature of obstruction of justice, and the necessity of accountability. Readers interested in understanding the complexities and limitations of high-profile investigations will find this book enlightening.

Where Law Ends can also spark further reading on related topics, such as Roger Stone's case, the impeachment proceedings against President Trump, or other books that offer different perspectives on the Mueller investigation, like The Mueller Report or Fire and Fury. Exploring these sources can deepen one's understanding of the events and controversies surrounding the 2016 election and its aftermath.