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Supreme Court's ruling gives Trump immunity

Roberts' opinion on executive privilege is the ultimate Watergate revenge. A daring blow to executive power. Stephen Griffin, Tulane Law, calls it: a bold move with a powerful message for democracy and the rule of law."

Published July 3, 2024 at 5:04am by

Supreme Court Rules Presidents Have Immunity from Prosecution for 'Official Acts'

“Under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of Presidential power entitles a former President to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority. And he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts. There is no immunity for unofficial acts.” —U.S. Supreme Court, Trump v. United States (July 1, 2024)

In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that presidents, including former President Donald Trump, have immunity from prosecution for their "official acts." The ruling has major implications for the 2024 presidential campaign, as it will likely delay any federal prosecution of Trump until after the election.

Key Points:

The ruling is a major victory for Trump, who hailed it as a "BIG WIN FOR OUR CONSTITUTION AND DEMOCRACY."
The Trump campaign claimed that "Crooked Joe Biden" was behind his prosecution, despite Biden having no control over the DOJ.
The Biden campaign highlighted Trump's authoritarian statements, including his promise to be a "dictator" and his remarks about terminating the Constitution.
Legal experts say the ruling creates a "law-free zone" around the president, with Justice Sotomayor dissenting that it gives the president "king-like immunity."
Critics argue the decision significantly limits checks on presidential power, providing immunity for even the most egregious abuses.

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