The Supreme Court’s recent ruling granting immunity to former President Donald Trump for his official acts has shocked legal experts who believe it could delay his federal trial by up to a year. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that lower courts must determine which of Trump’s actions were taken in his official capacity as president and which were unofficial and can be prosecuted. Trump hailed the decision as a victory for the constitution and democracy.
The ruling directed the district court to analyze the indictment and decide which charges are immune based on official acts. The court suggested reviewing the legitimacy of the prosecutor and narrowed an obstruction charge from a previous decision. The charges against Trump allege conspiring to obstruct Congress, leveraging the Justice Department’s power to change election results, and pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to accept fraudulent electoral ballots.
Legal experts predict that the hearings to determine valid charges against Trump will likely push the trial beyond the upcoming election. The ruling has been criticized for providing presidents with significant immunity for their official acts, with one Justice implying a lack of legitimacy in the prosecutor’s appointment. Trump’s lawyer acknowledged that certain actions described in the indictment were in the private domain, but also argued that some were part of the president’s official duties. Overall, experts estimate that it may take up to another year to determine what charges can stand against Trump.
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