vindictive

In addition to arguing Halligan was unlawfully appointed, both also claimed to be victims of vindictive prosecution.

The goal of these safeguards, Lin observed, is to protect grant recipients from “‘vindictive’ or ‘punitive’” actions by the government.

“The defense argues that, if there was ever a case with a whole series of boxes you’d check off for selective or vindictive prosecution, this would be it,” said Paul Grimm, a retired federal judge.

Last week, James requested the case be dismissed on the basis of vindictive prosecution.

James' attorneys also are filing a motion to dismiss the case on the grounds that it is "vindictive".