The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to rule on whether presidents have total criminal immunity, causing a delay in one of the most significant legal decisions in U.S. history. This delay likely means that former President Donald Trump will not face his federal election interference trial before November’s election. Trump, who already faces a July sentencing for state convictions related to falsifying business records, pressed the Supreme Court to determine if presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts while in office.
Critics believe that the conservative justices, including three appointed by Trump, are purposely delaying the ruling to keep Trump out of the courtroom before the election. The question of defining “official acts” is at the core of the case, with Trump’s attorney arguing for a broad definition that would almost anything a president does as an official act. This includes efforts to interfere with election certification.
Those in favor of presidential immunity argue that allowing criminal prosecution of former presidents could lead to political targeting, while opponents warn of terrifying possibilities if a president is free from criminal liability. The Supreme Court’s decision, which was heard in April and is expected to be released soon, could set a precedent for future presidential immunity cases.
All lower court proceedings have been put on hold until the Supreme Court’s decision is issued. The delay in the ruling sets up a potential showdown between the criminal justice system’s normal operation and the presidential election process, with Trump’s ability to campaign potentially being impacted by the outcome of the case.
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