A federal judge has quashed subpoenas issued by the Justice Department against the Federal Reserve, dealing a significant blow to a case being pursued by the U.S. attorney's office in Washington.

Judge James E. Boasberg ruled against the Justice Department's efforts to compel testimony or documents from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell in connection with an ongoing investigation. The judge's decision effectively halts this particular line of inquiry by federal prosecutors.

In his ruling, Judge Boasberg criticized the U.S. attorney's office for what he characterized as pursuing a case that appeared to lack proper legal foundation. The judge suggested the prosecution's approach raised questions about the underlying motivations for the investigation.

The case involves Powell, who has served as Federal Reserve Chair since 2018. The specific nature of the allegations or investigation was not detailed in available court documents, but the judge's intervention represents an unusual judicial rebuke of Justice Department tactics.

The ruling underscores ongoing tensions between different branches of government and highlights the judiciary's role in checking prosecutorial power when cases appear to lack sufficient legal basis.