Appeals Court Rules: Trump Not Immune in 2020 Election Case
TL/DR –
A federal appeals court has rejected former President Donald Trump’s claim of immunity from prosecution for alleged criminal acts committed during his presidency in relation to the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court as the case is one of four criminal prosecutions he faces and his potential victory in an election could allow him to dismiss the charges or pardon himself. The appeals court ruled that there was no basis for Trump to assert that former presidents have blanket immunity from prosecution for acts committed in office, adding that Trump’s stance would disrupt the system of separated powers by placing the president beyond the reach of all three branches.
Donald Trump’s Immunity Claim in Election Interference Case Rejected by Federal Appeals Court
A federal appeals court on Tuesday dismissed Donald Trump’s broad claim of being immune from prosecution for alleged criminal acts related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which led to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Trump, who is likely to appeal the decision immediately to the Supreme Court, has until Feb. 12 to do so before the lower court can act again.
Trump Reacts to Ruling on His Social Media Platform
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump referred to the ruling as “So bad, and dangerous.” His campaign spokesman Steven Cheung noted that the former president “respectfully disagrees with the DC Circuit’s decision and will appeal it to safeguard the Presidency and Constitution.”
Appeals Court Finds No Basis for Trump’s Claim of Immunity
The three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found no basis for Trump’s assertion that former presidents hold blanket immunity from prosecution for presidential acts. The 57-page ruling stated, “For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all defenses of any other criminal defendant.”
Trump Faces Four Criminal Prosecutions
The case is one of four criminal prosecutions Trump faces. A key issue is whether the trial can proceed before the election. If Trump were to win, he could potentially dismiss the charges or even pardon himself. The former president is indicted on four counts in Washington, including charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruct an official proceeding. He has pleaded not guilty.
Trump’s Lawyers Point to 1982 Supreme Court Ruling
Trump’s lawyers referenced a 1982 Supreme Court ruling that endorsed presidential immunity from civil lawsuits when the underlying conduct concerns presidential duties. They admit, however, that a former president can be prosecuted for conduct unrelated to official acts.
Appeals Court Sides with Special Counsel Jack Smith
Special counsel Jack Smith argued that there is no broad immunity preventing former presidents from prosecution for criminal acts committed in office. The appeals court agreed, stating that Trump’s stance “would collapse our system of separated powers by placing the President beyond the reach of all three Branches.”
The Ruling’s Impact on Constitutional Law
Ty Cobb, a former attorney for Trump who criticized his false stolen election claims, labeled the ruling “one of the most profound constitutional opinions in our history.” He believes it will significantly influence constitutional law for many years to come.
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