The US supreme court on Thursday wrestled with how to define the scope of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution asDuring oral arguments the court sought to draw the boundaries between a president’s personal and official acts, suggesting the matter might need to be sent back to lower courts to evaluate the nature of Mr Trump’s actions.
The court’s decision will affect a pillar of his defence and reverberate more broadly throughout the US government, having a long-lasting impact on the country’s balance of power and on presidents’ accountability. Michael Dreeben, who represented the department of justice, countered there was no constitutional basis for the kind of expansive immunity Mr Trump has sought, and such a “novel theory would immunise former presidents for criminal liability for bribery, treason, sedition, murder”.
Amy Coney Barrett, a member of the court’s conservative wing and a Trump appointee, also appeared sceptical. She challenged Mr Sauer’s argument that some laws may not apply to the president: “How can you say that he would be subject to prosecution after impeachment, while at the same time saying that he’s exempt from these criminal statutes?”
“Even a relatively favourable ruling ... doesn’t mean that the case is over. Not at all,” he added. “But it does not also mean that the prosecution can break out the champagne,” saying it was “not likely” the lower court’s ruling would be affirmed. The former president said he wanted to attend Thursday’s hearing but could not, as he is required to be in Manhattan criminal court where he is standing trial for allegedly falsifying business records to conceal an affair.
Law Law Latest News, Law Law Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump due back in New York court as jury takes shapeDonald Trump's unprecedented criminal trial resumes later today in New York with the judge seeking to complete jury selection and kick off arguments in the politically explosive case early next week.
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »
Donald Trump's hush money trial: the key playersDonald Trump is the first former US president to face criminal trial and his defence as well as New York prosecutors have presented their opening arguments in the closely-watched case.
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »
Trump returns to New York court for hush money trialDonald Trump's historic hush money trial enters a second day, as lawyers try to select 12 New York City jurors to consider the guilt or innocence of the first former US president to face criminal charges.
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »