The Supreme Court justices appear poised to offer Donald Trump and future US presidents some form of immunity from criminal prosecution for their actions while in office – while rejecting broad absolute immunity.
The nation’s highest court heard oral arguments yesterday in a historic case which the justices acknowledged has “huge implications” for not only the former president’s criminal cases but also for America’s future. “This case has huge implications for the presidency, for the future of the presidency, for the future of the country,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said.
Mr Trump’s lawyers claim he has presidential immunity from charges of federal election interference brought by special counsel Jack Smith over the former president’s actions around the 2020 election. Mr Smith’s office claims that he does not.
During the arguments, the conservative male majority of the court toyed with the idea of awarding some protections to Mr Trump in his case.
Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas raised concerns that, without protections, presidents could face politically-motivated prosecution for actions they take while in office.
A narrow decision that aligns with that line of thinking would outline certain types of “official acts” that justices believe are protected from criminal prosecution.
Mr Trump has previously contended that all the charges relate to “official” acts, rather than “private” acts, and so are protected by presidential immunity.
This story is from the April 26, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 26, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
What can stop Verstappen winning fifth straight title?
It is rare that we learn fresh pieces of detail about drivers on the Formula One grid.
Mo' money, mo' goals - why Salah is worth the gamble
As clear and emphatic as Mohamed Salah’s words on Sunday were, something was still left unsaid.
Guardiola: 'It will be a bad season by our standards'
But after five losses in a row, Man City's manager is defiant
West Ham hit Newcastle on counter to ease pressure
Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka combined to burst Newcastle’s bubble as West Ham handed under-pressure boss Julen Lopetegui breathing space with a priceless Premier League away win.
Flood-proofing homes now will prevent future misery
One thing most people would agree on: Britain urgently needs new homes.
Chancellor has gone from cosying up to confrontation
Rachel Reeves urgently needs a new script – and some pizzazz.
CBI boss warns Budget will mean fewer jobs are created
Half of UK companies will cut jobs and two-thirds will recruit fewer staff, according to the boss of the UK's top business lobby group.
Man who drugged wife in mass rape case should serve 20 years, say prosecutors
French prosecutors have sought a 20-year prison term for Dominique Pelicot, accusing him of facilitating the mass rape of his wife Gisele Pelicot by dozens of men, drugging her unconscious, and sharing pictures and videos of her sexual assault.
Thousands arrested at Khan protests as Pakistan capital put under police lockdown
Pakistani authorities arrested more than 4,000 supporters of Imran Khan, including five parliamentarians, ahead of a rally demanding the release of the former prime minister from prison, where he has been held for over a year.
One dead after DHL cargo plane crashes in Lithuania
A DHL cargo plane has crashed into a house near the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, killing at least one of four people on board.
