Nixon attorney: "Richard Nixon would have had a pass" with this Supreme Court
Jul 2, 2024
auto_awesome
NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson discusses what would have happened if today's Supreme Court ruled on Nixon's case. The impact of the immunity ruling on Trump and Nixon is analyzed, sparking concerns about presidential accountability. The fallout from the decision on Trump's sentencing delay is explored, along with his maneuvering post-ruling.
The Supreme Court ruling granting presidents broad immunity affects Trump's legal cases, leading to potential delays and protection in various aspects.
If the current immunity ruling existed during Nixon's presidency, he might have avoided criminal exposure, reflecting concerns about presidential power and accountability.
Deep dives
Implications of the Supreme Court's Ruling on Trump's Legal Cases
The Supreme Court's landmark decision granting presidents broad immunity is affecting former President Trump's legal cases. This decision has led to a delay in Trump's sentencing for the New York Hush Money trial as the judge reconsiders its impact on Trump's conviction. The ruling provides Trump with legal protection in various aspects, potentially impacting the special counsel's case against him. The majority opinion indicates that certain presidential actions, previously restricted since Watergate, are now shielded.
Comparison of Nixon's Legal Situation with Today's Supreme Court Ruling
Reflecting on Nixon's Watergate scandal in light of the current Supreme Court ruling shows a significant contrast in legal consequences. Legal experts suggest that if the current immunity ruling existed during Nixon's presidency, he might have evaded criminal exposure and prosecution. The ruling's implications extend to safeguarding presidential actions under the guise of official duties, raising concerns about accountability and the limits of presidential power. Critics view this as potentially endorsing an 'imperial presidency' and hampering the scrutiny of presidential actions by the courts.
1.
Analyzing the impact of Supreme Court immunity ruling on Trump and Nixon
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang speaks with NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson.
In 1974 the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in United States v. Nixon, that Nixon must to comply with a subpoena and hand over his White House tapes. It was a blow to Nixon's presidency and two weeks later he resigned from office. But what would've happened if today's Supreme Court was on the bench in 1974? Carrie Johnson spoke with people involved in Watergate to find out.