Judge Aileen Cannon is currently presiding over the criminal prosecution of former president Donald Trump, a case that has attracted nationwide attention. Her approach to the case has been criticized for its slow pace and handling of procedural issues. Cannon’s lack of trial experience and isolation in her south Florida courthouse have been cited as reasons for her conduct. Attorneys who have practiced in front of her describe her as diligent, well-prepared, and tough, but also point out her tendency to be distracted by irrelevant legal questions and to struggle with docket management.
Cannon’s assignment to the Trump case was a game of odds, given the charges were filed in West Palm Beach. Her detail-oriented approach has been exploited by the defense team, leading to delays in the case. Some attorneys attribute her challenges in handling practical logistics to her appellate work background, which results in a focus on abstract, academic questions rather than quick decision-making required by trial judges. Special counsel prosecutors have faced her wrath for minor discrepancies in filings, while Trump’s defense attorneys have also experienced pushback for moving slowly in resolving pretrial issues.
Cannon’s meticulous scrutiny extends even to granular procedural rules about filing submissions, leading to rebuffs of gag orders and routine filings for minor technicalities. Attorneys have noted her fixation on technicalities can lead to cases getting bogged down in minutiae, with pretrial motions taking time to be docketed and decided. Despite the criticisms, some attorneys appreciate her thoroughness and resistance to taking any party at their word, but others have concerns that her decisions may lead to more appeals.
While Cannon’s heavy-handed approach towards procedural rules and detail-oriented handling of cases may be seen as excessive by some, others appreciate her thoroughness and commitment to ensuring a fair trial process. Despite the criticisms, most attorneys acknowledge that Cannon remains steadfast in her beliefs about how each case in her courtroom should proceed. Overall, Cannon’s insistence on following rules and her meticulous approach to cases have garnered mixed reactions from attorneys who have practiced in front of her.
