The Daily Blast: How Supreme Court Shocker Could Give Trump Truly Terrifying New Powers
Jul 2, 2024
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Legal expert Richard Hasen discusses the Supreme Court ruling on Trump's immunity, highlighting delays in the insurrection trial and the potential abuse of powers if Trump wins re-election. The discussion covers nuances of presidential immunity, threats to democracy, and the implications of a ruling on Trump's post-presidency actions.
The Supreme Court's ruling delays Trump's insurrection trial indefinitely, raising concerns about potential future legal actions.
The distinction between absolute and presumed immunity challenges post-presidency prosecutions, potentially undermining legal standards and checks and balances.
Deep dives
Supreme Court's Ruling on Trump's Immunity
The Supreme Court recently delivered a ruling on Donald Trump's immunity from prosecution post-presidency. The Court granted absolute immunity for official acts within the president's constitutional authority and presumed immunity for other official acts. This decision impacts the timing of potential trials and the political implications if Trump wins re-election.
Challenges in Prosecuting a Former President
The distinction between absolute and presumed immunity poses challenges in determining prosecutable offenses post-presidency. Official acts related to core presidential powers are considered absolutely immune, while other acts require proof that prosecution doesn't interfere with executive functions. The ruling's implications for potential future prosecutions and the difficulty of handling cases involving unofficial actions are highlighted.
Impact on Rule of Law and Accountability
The Supreme Court's ruling raises concerns about the rule of law and accountability for former presidents' actions. By granting wide immunity from prosecution, especially for acts beyond core powers, the ruling may undermine the principle that all individuals are subject to the same legal standards. This could potentially weaken the checks and balances system, particularly in scenarios where political will for impeachment or legal action is lacking.
Yesterday the Supreme Court released its shocking new ruling in the case involving Donald Trump’s demand for absolute immunity from prosecution for insurrection-related crimes. The court gave Trump much of what he wanted, notably ensuring that his trial for the insurrection will be delayed indefinitely. But what’s really worrying is what this ruling could allow Trump to get away with if he wins back the White House. We talked to legal expert Richard Hasen, who just published A Real Right to Vote and regularly writes about Trump’s attacks on democracy, about why the case for alarmism is real and serious.