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The Ethics Backlash And The Independent Counsel Statute, George D. Brown

George D. Brown

In this Article, Professor George D. Brown explores the role of the Office of Independent Counsel and the current ethics backlash surrounding its reauthorization. He examines the historical development of the institution through the accounts of two previous "special prosecutors,” Archibald Cox and Lawrence Walsh. Professor Brown also explores the arguments of critics who call for the institution's abolition and counters with his own call for change and renewal. As an alternative to renewal, he suggests a short-term extension, a "cooling off' period to permit Congress to take a detached look at the independent counsel. Professor Brown observes that the …