By Cesar Reyes
Apr 25, 2024, 2:51 PM EDT
The Supreme Court of the United States was skeptical about former President Donald Trump’s request to declare absolute judicial immunity from the trial pending against him in a federal court in Washington for electoral interference and the assault on the Capitol.
After more than two hours of discussion, the magistrates considered that only actions inherent to the functions of a president are protected by immunity and not those that are personal in nature.
During this historic trial The justices suggested they could return the case to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. to determine whether Trump’s actions were public or private.
The nine justices (six conservatives and three progressives) questioned Trump’s lawyer, John Sauer, and prosecutor Michael Dreeben about the Republican’s potential immunity.
To former President Trump it is advisable to prolong the litigation given that, if he returned to the White House, he could order the Department of Justice to close the federal accusations against him.
Instead, the special prosecutor led by Jack Smith is putting pressure on the high court to make a quick decision so that preparations for the trial of the Capitol assault can be resumed, which should have started on March 4 but was suspended due to the petition. Trump’s immunity.
It is unknown when the Supreme Court will issue its rulingbut usually publishes its decisions in June, before the summer break.
Although it is not stated in the Constitution or the laws, active presidents of the United States have historically enjoyed immunity from judicial processes related to their functions, in order to avoid a violation of the separation between the executive and judicial powers.
With information from EFE.
Keep reading:
– Appeals court ruled that some defendants charged with the Capitol assault were improperly sentenced
– The Supreme Court will soon decide whether Trump can be prosecuted for interference in the 2020 elections
– Special counsel asks Supreme Court to reject Trump’s request to delay his immunity case