Supreme Court Weighs Immunity In Trump's Jan 6 Case
Apr 26, 2024
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Guest Leah Litman discusses Trump's claim of immunity from criminal charges, questioning democracy and the rule of law. Pro-Palestinian protests escalate on college campuses, Weinstein faces retrial, and Apple forecasts grim headset sales.
The Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's immunity could impact his reelection chances and other criminal cases he faces.
Critics view the Court's handling of Trump's case as political maneuvering that raises concerns about accountability and the rule of law.
Deep dives
Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Trump's Presidential Immunity
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on former President Donald Trump's presidential immunity case, where Trump seeks immunity from federal prosecution and the dismissal of charges related to the 2020 election. Trump's lawyer argued for extensive immunity, although most justices leaned towards some immunity but not absolute. The court's conservative majority hinted at a possible return to lower courts, potentially delaying the trial post-election.
Potential Implications of Supreme Court's Decision on Trump's Case
The Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's immunity case could impact his reelection chances and other criminal cases he faces. Legal experts predict a legal standard based on official acts and intent, allowing some presidential immunity but not absolute protection. The decision's timing may affect the trial schedule, potentially benefiting Trump's delay tactics.
Critiques of Supreme Court Justices' Handling of Trump's Case
Critics view the Supreme Court's handling of Trump's case as political maneuvering to benefit him and potentially influence the 2024 election. Justices faced backlash for entertaining extreme hypotheticals like presidential coups and assassinations, highlighting concerns about the court's objectivity. The Court's decisions and focus on legal technicalities instead of practical considerations raise doubts about accountability and the rule of law.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Thursday in former President Donald Trump’s presidential immunity case. Trump’s lawyer tried to assert that there’s almost no situation under which a sitting president can face criminal charges, not even ordering a military coup or sharing nuclear secrets. It is a landmark case with big implications for both this year’s election as well as some of the other criminal cases Trump faces. Leah Litman, co-host of Crooked’s “Strict Scrutiny,” says Trump’s team is trying to normalize conduct that is inconsistent with democracy and the rule of law.
And in headlines: Pro-Palestinian protests spread to more college campuses, Manhattan’s DA vowed to retry Harvey Weinstein after the producer’s New York rape conviction was overturned, and Apple forecasted a bleak outlook for its Vision Pro headsets.