Posted on 04/25/2024 10:06:27 AM PDT by where's_the_Outrage?
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments Thursday on whether former President Donald Trump can be criminally prosecuted over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.
The justices have taken up the monumental question of if, and if so to what extent, former presidents enjoy immunity for conduct alleged to involve official acts during their time in office.
The high court's decision will determine if Trump stands trial before the November election on four charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith, including conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Throughout arguments, multiple of the justices made clear they were looking past the immediate example of Trump and what their decision will mean for the future of the presidency.
"This case has huge implications for the presidency, for the future of the presidency and for the future of the country, in my view," said Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
"Whatever we decide is going to apply to all future presidents," said Justice Samuel Alito......
Justice Samuel Alito addressed the "layers of protection" against bad faith prosecutions raised by the DOJ......
In a recurring point of interest for the court as it questioned the government, Justice Brett Kavanaugh raised the question of the "risk" of a "creative prosecutor" using "vague" criminal statutes -- including obstruction and conspiracy, which Trump faces -- against any president if they can't claim immunity......
Asked by Justice Clarence Thomas why previous presidents were not prosecuted for controversial actions, prosecutor Michael Dreeben said "this is a central question."
"The reason why there have not been prior criminal prosecutions is that there were not crimes," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
Relaxed and tanned.
“DEI = Didn’t Earn IT”
That is perfect!
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