The Supreme Court agreed to find out if former President Donald Trump can face prosecution for allegedly interfering with the 2020 election. This decision raises questions about the exact date of a potential trial before the November election.
While the court set an agenda for a rapid solution, it continued to keep focus on preparations for a trial centered on Trump's attempts to reverse his election defeat. The court is scheduled to hear arguments in late April, and a decision is expected by the end of June, as per to AP News.
Supreme Court to Review Trump's Immunity Claim
The United States Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for the week of April 22 to deliberate on a recent ruling by a three-judge panel at the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. This panel unequivocally rejected former President Donald Trump's claim of immunity earlier this month, paving the way for a pivotal legal battle.
Trump's criminal case, which faces a four-count indictment in Washington DC, will remain in abeyance until the Supreme Court reaches a definitive ruling on the matter. The court's decision places it in a politically sensitive position, as the outcome could potentially impact whether Trump will face trial before the presidential election in November.
The court's order without a signature details its plan to discuss, in oral arguments, the level of immunity a former president has from criminal prosecution for actions that are argued to be associated with official acts during their time in office.
In the federal 2020 election case, Trump is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct the congressional certification of election results, and violating rights. Special Counsel Jack Smith has brought forth these charges, asserting that Trump's actions, such as pressuring Vice President Mike Pence and orchestrating fake slates of electors, fall outside the protection afforded to the presidency, according to The Guardian.
Trump's Immunity Bid Rejected by DC Panel
Trump's attempt to dismiss the charges last year, based on the argument that the actions were within the "outer perimeter" of his official duties, was rejected. The legal team contended that Trump was entitled to absolute presidential immunity, irrespective of his intent in the alleged conduct.
The three-judge panel at the DC Circuit unanimously rejected this extraordinary claim, stating that accepting such an interpretation of executive power would undermine the separation of powers and place a former president above the law.
Trump's lawyers had strategically advanced the immunity claim as an interlocutory appeal, allowing pre-trial litigation and placing the case on hold pending resolution.
Meanwhile, Trump's legal team argues that without immunity from criminal prosecution, the presidency would be at risk, suggesting that political opponents could use the threat of indictment for acts that do not warrant prosecution to influence and control future presidents.
The Supreme Court's intervention follows a decision by Washington, DC, federal Judge Tanya Chutkan to postpone the trial, which was scheduled to start before Super Tuesday, until the high court decides on its role. Special Counsel Smith has brought charges against Trump for conspiracy-related offenses related to the Capitol riot on January 6 and alleged interference in the 2020 election. In August, Trump entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, Fox News reported.
