The Supreme Court appears poised to grant former President Donald Trump some form of immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office, an Independent.co.uk report suggests.
This move, while rejecting absolute immunity, could have a significant impact on not only Trump's legal battles but also the future of presidential accountability in the United States.
Donald Trump Likely to Get Some Form of Immunity
Justices of the Supreme Court engaged in oral arguments, acknowledging the monumental nature of the case. Justices Kavanaugh, Roberts, Alito, and Thomas expressed concerns about the potential for politically motivated prosecutions against presidents, suggesting a need for certain protections.
Meanwhile, liberal justices and Justice Amy Coney Barrett voiced skepticism about awarding broad criminal protections to presidents, highlighting the delicate balance between presidential accountability and immunity.
Independent tells us that the core of the debate lies in distinguishing between "official" and "private" acts by presidents. Trump's legal team argues for immunity because the charges against him relate to official acts.
However, the justices struggled to delineate clear criteria for making this distinction, hinting at the possibility of remanding the case for further review.
Further Delay Looms for Jan. 6 Trial
The Guardian reports that a majority of justices, including Gorsuch, expressed interest in remanding the case, potentially leading to further delays in the trial process. This delay could have significant implications, possibly pushing the trial beyond the 2024 election.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson raised concerns about the consequences of granting immunity, suggesting that it could incentivize criminal behavior by future presidents.
While the court deliberates on the case, the looming prospect of further delay in the Jan. 6 trial remains. Remanding the case for review could inject months of additional delay, significantly lowering the probability of the trial proceeding before the 2024 election, which would benefit Trump.
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