Trump's classified documents case has been dismissed by judge
Jul 15, 2024
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NPR journalists Greg Allen and Carrie Johnson discuss Federal Judge Cannon dismissing Trump's classified documents case, citing unconstitutional appointment of Special Counsel. Analysis includes reactions from Trump, status of other cases, and implications on Justice Department. Explore the strong case against Trump in Florida, potential delays, and coverage of the Republican National Convention by NPR Politics Podcast.
Federal Judge Eileen Cannon dismissed Trump's classified documents case due to unconstitutional appointment of special counsel.
Judge Cannon's ruling challenges conventional understanding of special counsel's authority by questioning historical precedent.
Deep dives
Dismissal of Case Based on Unconstitutional Appointment of Special Counsel
Federal Judge Eileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case against Trump due to the unconstitutional appointment of special counsel Jack Smith. The ruling argued that the initial appointment of Smith by Attorney General Merrick Garland violated the appointment clause in the U.S. Constitution. Cannon's decision highlighted the need for the appointment of special counsel by the President and confirmation by the Senate, leading to the complete dismissal of the case.
Precedent and Analysis of Special Counsel's Office
Judge Cannon's ruling deviated from previous challenges to the special counsel's office, citing an opinion by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Thomas questioned the legality of Garland appointing the special counsel and paved the way for Cannon's decision. By reevaluating the historical precedent set by the Supreme Court in 1974 and rejecting it as binding, Cannon's ruling challenges the conventional understanding of the special counsel's authority.
Implications and Future Scenarios for Trump and the Justice Department
The dismissal of the case against Trump raises significant implications for federal cases and investigations involving political figures. Trump's team expressed satisfaction with the ruling and called for the dismissal of other pending criminal cases. Legal experts highlighted the broader implications for the Justice Department's investigative practices, suggesting potential shifts in how special counsels are appointed and the defense of their constitutionality.
Federal Judge Aileen Cannon has dismissed former President Donald Trump's classified documents case in Florida. The ruling argued that the initial appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith was unconstitutional. Most legal observers saw the case as the one with the most clear-cut evidence against him.
The ruling comes after months of delays from Cannon, a judge nominated by Trump, who has come under increasing scrutiny for how she has handled this case.
Topics include: - how Judge Cannon explained her ruling - reaction from Trump and his team - where the other three criminal cases against Trump stand