Lurching Through The Audition Trap
By Josh Blackman · Oct 6, 2026, 12:56 PM CDT
Recently, Judge Ho of the Fifth Circuit issued a concurrence that cited my post, The Audition Trap . The allegations in this case were problematic. The defendant's counsel told the magistrate judge that he had connections to a Texas Senator and other members of government. The counsel warned that he was "consider[ing] asking my Texas friends to write to you and ask why I have to continue waiting"
Excerpt shown under fair-use limits. Full text remains with the original publisher.
People in this coverage
Explore their history and attributable record. Being mentioned does not imply endorsement.
Layer 1 · Claims & fact checks
AI analysisLayer 3 · Reporting analysis
AI analysisAppeal to AuthorityThe author uses Judge Ho’s quoted observation to lend weight to the argument about judicial ambition.
Anecdotal NarrativeThe author relies on personal anecdotes and self‑referential history to illustrate points, rather than external evidence.
Emotive LanguageThe language is designed to provoke emotional agreement rather than present neutral facts.
Historical AllusionThe detailed historical story is used to draw a parallel with current concerns, but it is presented without citation.
Context
AI analysisMissing context
The article provides no details about the underlying case, the specific concurrence, the identities of the magistrate judge or the defendant’s counsel, nor any court documents or independent reporting to substantiate the described events.
Important context
The text is an opinionated personal narrative that blends the author’s experiences with broader commentary on judicial ambition and historical anecdotes, indicating a primarily editorial rather than news‑reporting purpose.
Opinion vs. reporting
AI analysisThe piece is predominantly opinion and personal commentary; it does not adhere to standard reporting practices such as presenting balanced facts, corroborating sources, or distinguishing clearly between fact and interpretation.