Prosecutors Request to Prevent Trump from Introducing Politics in Federal Election Interference Trial
TL/DR –
Special counsel Jack Smith has appealed to a judge to prevent Donald Trump’s lawyers from introducing politics into his trial, which includes charges of scheming to overturn the 2020 election results. Smith’s office argues that claims that the prosecution against Trump is vindictive and selective or was coordinated by President Joe Biden are irrelevant and prejudicial to the case. The case is currently on hold due to an appeal of Trump’s assertion that he is immune from prosecution for actions taken while in office.
Special Counsel Seeks to Exclude Politics from Trump’s Trial
WASHINGTON (AP) – Special counsel Jack Smith on Wednesday requested a judge to prevent Donald Trump’s lawyers from introducing politics into the ex-president’s trial on charges of scheming to overturn the 2020 election results.
Smith’s office addressed U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in a 20-page filing, arguing for a ban on Trump’s lawyers from presenting irrelevant political issues or arguments to the jury. These include allegations that the prosecution against Trump is vindictive and selective or manipulated by President Joe Biden.
The motion aims at setting boundaries on what information the jury should hear during the trial. It comes amidst an appeal regarding Trump’s claim of immunity from prosecution for acts committed while in office.
The Supreme Court declined involvement last week, but a federal appeals panel will hear arguments on Jan. 9. The trial is due for March 4 in federal court in Washington, subject to potential delays due to the immunity issue appeal.
Trump’s legal team had previously asked for a case dismissal, alleging vindictive and selective indictment. Prosecutors argue that this request should be denied, and the defense should be barred from presenting this argument during the trial.
The motion also seeks to prevent Trump from informing jurors about potential punishment and from accusing law enforcement of failing to prepare for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Prosecutors argue that the trial should focus on facts, law, and not politics.
Prosecutors emphasized that defense lawyers should not be allowed to solicit speculative testimony from witnesses about Trump’s thoughts or beliefs. They further opposed the introduction of any evidence regarding alleged foreign influence in the 2020 election.
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