[venomsnake]

Is the judge really so at fault at this? Serious question - do they have right to refuse approval under current legislation and can the administration just judge shop until they find a more susceptible judge?

[rosser]

AIUI, no, the FISA court is pretty much a rubber stamp with a security clearance.

[sp332]

Possibly the judge should have ruled that the law was unconstitutional and therefore void. The legislature cannot make laws that contradict the constitution.