Legal Proceedings & Potential Outcomes - The case against James Comey is viewed by some legal experts as a vindictive and selective prosecution [1] - The defense plans to file motions around selective malicious prosecution, acknowledging the high legal bar [4] - Evidence suggests actual vindictiveness from the government towards Comey could lead to the case's dismissal [7][8] - Concerns exist regarding the unusual handling of the case, including the appointment of inexperienced prosecutors and the lack of clarity regarding the alleged false statements [1][2] - The defense argues the prosecution is targeting Comey in a way that wouldn't be applied to others [7] Key Individuals & Their Roles - Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty in federal court [1] - Lindseay Halligan, a prosecutor with limited experience, was handpicked to lead the case after the previous US attorney refused to indict Comey [1] - Patrick Fitzgerald, Comey's defense lawyer, intends to file motions challenging the prosecution [1][4] - Morin Comey, James Comey's daughter and former federal prosecutor, was present at the arraignment [1] Political Context & Motivations - President Trump's repeated calls to prosecute Comey are noted as a driving force behind the case [1] - The prosecution is perceived by some as a means to keep Comey under a cloud of suspicion, regardless of the ultimate verdict [1] - A message from Trump urging Comey's prosecution was accidentally posted publicly, suggesting a personal agenda [4][5]

And we are following what it looks like when Donald Trump calls in an indictment, which he publicly did, a Nixonian admission that he wanted someone he opposes or doesn't like to be charged, James Comey. That ind individual has been charged. And today it turns to court. It's really happening. The former FBI director appeared in court for the first time since the DOJ indictment. So this is the beginning of the case. This is the beginning, if you will, of the process that leads to a trial if the case holds an ...

Joining us now, MSNBC legal correspondent and host of Can They Do That on YouTube, Lisa Rubin, and former former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Tom Dri. All right, so Lisa, you were inside the courtroom today. Um, describe what you saw, Katie. It was an absolutely surreal and bizarre experience to see someone who has been sort of affirminent of the federal law enforcement establishment. Jim Comey have to stand up and enter a plea today of not guilty. Also tell the judge, Judge Michael Knackmanov Eastern ...

Joining us now from outside the courthouse in Virginia, MSNBC justice and intelligence correspondent Kendallian along with MSNBC legal correspondent Lisa Rubin and former assistant attorney general who led the DOJ's criminal division Leslie Caldwell. All right, so Lisa, you were inside that courtroom. Uh, describe what you saw.Katie, it was a totally packed courtroom today and the best word I have for it is surreal. It was absolutely surreal to see James Comey, who once led the FBI, who was the deputy attor ...

So, Ken Delaneian, what happens from here. Uh, we just said the arraignment will be October 9th, but what happens to James Comey today, this weekend, over the next several days. Where does this case go.We're still reporting this out, Willie. There was some talk last night that Comey was going to surrender for processing at an FBI office in the Eastern District of Virginia today, this morning. Uh we're still trying to figure out whether that's going to happen because it's not necessarily true that he has to ...

Legal Proceedings & Key Personnel - The case of Donald Trump versus James Comey has been assigned to Judge Michael Knackmanov, appointed by President Biden, with an arraignment scheduled for October 9th [1] - Congressman Daniel Goldman highlights concerns regarding potential political interference by Donald Trump, including alleged directives to charge James Comey [3][6] - Concerns are raised about the qualifications and motivations of attorney Lindsay Halligan, an insurance lawyer, in prosecuting the case [5] Concerns Regarding Justice Department - The report suggests potential political persecution and a vindictive prosecution against James Comey, a political adversary of Donald Trump [6] - The report mentions the Attorney General's conversations with Donald Trump regarding charging James Comey with making false statements [3] - The report indicates that a US attorney refused to charge the case due to professional responsibility concerns [4] - The report highlights the unusual circumstance of a grand jury refusing to indict on one of the false statement accounts [6] - Career prosecutors and an experienced US attorney reportedly refused to bring the case to the grand jury [7] - The report expresses concern over the Department of Justice's handling of the case, calling it a "sad day" [9]