Politico: “Flashback— DeSantis suspended Warren for a handful of reasons, including a pledge the elected prosecutor made to not enforce certain laws, such as the state’s recently enacted ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy without exceptions for rape or incest.
Framework — During a trial that could last anywhere from three to five days, Warren’s legal team will argue that DeSantis’ move violated Warren’s First Amendment rights and was done for purely political reasons. DeSantis, who is being represented by the state’s solicitor general and other lawyers working for Attorney General Ashley Moody, have countered that Warren’s “blanket refusals” to enforce laws were sufficient grounds for the governor to act and that Warren’s speech was not protected.
Coming up— The trial is expected to feature up to 14 witnesses, including Warren himself, although some of the testimony will be offered through depositions and not on the witness stand. The case has already provided an inside look at how top aides to the governor — including his “public safety czar” Larry Keefe — pursued the case against Warren. Details so far have also made it clear that Warren’s decision to sign onto a statement regarding abortion was the main catalyst that sparked the decision to suspend him.”