Trump officials avoid contempt proceedings for defying Venezuela flight ban

Catch up quick: Boasberg said in April he found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in contempt for defying his order to halt deportation flights to Venezuela.

• He said the administration proceeded with flights in a "willful disregard" for his order. The administration had defended its decision under the Alien Enemies Act of 1789.

What they're saying: "At the time of the alleged contempt, just hours after the TRO hearing and before any transcript of it was available, the district court's minute order could reasonably have been read either way," D.C. Circuit Judge Gregory Katsas wrote in a concurring opinion.

• "Thus, the TRO cannot support a criminal-contempt conviction here."

The other side: "The rule of law depends on obedience to judicial orders," Judge Cornelia Pillard wrote in a partial dissent to the decision. "Yet, shortly after the district court granted plaintiffs' emergency motion for a temporary restraining order, defendants appear to have disobeyed it."

• "Our system of courts cannot long endure if disappointed litigants defy court orders with impunity rather than legally challenge them. That is why willful disobedience of a court order is punishable as criminal contempt."

Go deeper: What to know about James Boasberg, judge Trump is targeting for impeachment