[Cboldt]

Pretty sure it was different judges. There are 11, seven of whom are not in DC but the court sits in DC. The ones from away sit a week at a time. The 11 judges rotate for one week stints. More likely to get a different judge each time than to get the same one.

FISA is radically different from criminal warrants. The AG is suppsoed to do the heavy vetting normally done by a judge. The judge is involved so on paper there is judicial involvment. But the AG and the judge work hand in glove, both wanting the warrant to issue. IOW, the judge trusts the AG, rather than treat him as an arm's length applicant. The judge is put in the position of patsy by the statutory structure and routine goings on.

[rodguy911]

So on this fisa warrant in question the fact that lovely loretta said it was good was most likely the deciding fact for the fisa court?