Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump’s legal team has made it abundantly clear to the Supreme Court that they should not be hasty in their decision regarding his claim of presidential immunity for criminal charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The attorneys have emphasized that the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals should be given the opportunity to address the matter first, particularly in determining whether absolute immunity extends to the president, even for official duties on the “outer parameter” of his responsibilities.
This is a momentous issue, and the former president’s legal team ardently argues that it should not be decided with “partisan motivation” or at “breakneck speed.” They stress the significance of allowing the appeal to proceed first in the D.C. Circuit, invoking the wisdom of the old adage, “Haste makes waste,” and highlighting the unprecedented nature of the case – questioning whether a president can face criminal charges for official acts.
Trump tells Supreme Court not to rush presidential immunity challenge https://t.co/BY4xLphlcH pic.twitter.com/BbbLB7oYtx
— political world (@politicalxnews) December 20, 2023
Emphasizing the historical context, Mr. Trump’s lawyers assert that in 234 years of American history, no president has ever faced criminal prosecution for their official acts until now. They underscore the immense complexity and significance of the question before the Court, urging a careful and thorough consideration of the matter.
Furthermore, Mr. Trump’s legal team has boldly asserted that the government lacks standing to bring the challenge at this time, pointing out that a lower court ruled in favor of the federal government just over a week ago. They dismiss the special counsel’s call for “extraordinary haste” and argue against rushing the decision.
At the heart of the matter are the charges Mr. Trump faces, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy against the right to vote. These charges stem from his efforts to contest the 2020 election results and the events of January 6, 2021.
In response to Mr. Smith’s request to expedite a decision on presidential immunity issues, Mr. Trump’s legal team has presented a robust filing, countering the special counsel’s push to skip a decision by a federal appeals court.
This legal showdown underscores the high stakes involved, as the former president’s legal team seeks to ensure that the issue of presidential immunity is settled judiciously, in consideration of the broader impact it could have on the American political landscape.
The complexity and significance of this issue cannot be overstated. While Mr. Trump’s opponents may seek to expedite the legal process for partisan reasons, his legal team is staunchly advocating for a measured and thorough approach, urging the Supreme Court not to rush to judgment. This legal battle is not just about one man; it’s about the preservation of the presidency and the principles that underpin the American justice system.
