The Supreme Court ruled in a historic 6-3 decision that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution. This ruling extended the delay in the criminal case against Donald Trump in Washington, effectively ending the chances of him being tried before the November election. The court’s conservative majority, including three justices appointed by Trump, narrowed the case against him and returned it to the trial court to determine what is left of the indictment.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court that former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for actions within their constitutional authority. However, Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, arguing that the decision makes a mockery of the principle that no man is above the law. The ruling has been criticized by Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen.
Trump, celebrating the decision as a “BIG WIN FOR OUR CONSTITUTION AND DEMOCRACY,” has faced multiple legal challenges following his presidency. The ruling could potentially impact the upcoming Senate race in Maryland, where Republican Larry Hogan, who has distanced himself from Trump, is facing Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks, who has tried to tie Hogan to Trump.
The court’s decision could have far-reaching consequences as it defined the scope of immunity for presidents and how their official and unofficial acts are treated in court. The complexity of the ruling means that it is unlikely for Trump to face trial before the election, a fact that has been met with concern and criticism from legal experts and lawmakers.
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