Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

Stories

MSPB final rule broadens agencies' power to discipline federal employees

Issued final rule dropping Douglas factors; lost jurisdiction over three appeal categories

For 45 years, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) used a 12-point checklist to decide whether agencies punished federal employees fairly. This week the board dropped it, replacing the Douglas factors with a case-by-case 'totality of circumstances' standard that takes effect October 5.

Updated Sep 4

The immigration judges’ gag-rule case hits the Supreme Court—and the justices refuse to freeze it

Rule Changes

Central to CSRA review; its independence and operability became a factual issue

Immigration judges say the Justice Department has effectively muzzled them: speak publicly about immigration and you need permission, and what you say can be steered into "agency talking points." The Trump administration's response has been procedural. You don't get federal court—go through the civil-service machinery first.

Updated May 15