Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson appeared to dismiss the arguments put forth by former President Trump’s attorneys on Thursday. The attorneys claimed that the justices need to differentiate between personal and official acts in order to determine whether a president can be prosecuted. Justice Jackson cautioned that such claims have the potential to transform the Oval Office into a hub of criminal activity.
The court received oral arguments on Thursday regarding Trump’s immunity case. The former president argues that he cannot be prosecuted for alleged crimes committed while in office, citing the limitations on legal liability that restrict a president’s actions.
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“I believe we would face a significant issue if someone with immense power, serving as the world’s most influential figure with the highest level of authority, could assume office without any fear of consequences for their actions,” expressed Jackson.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments following the federal special counsel’s charges against Trump for multiple felonies. The charges allege that he played a role in attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Trump’s legal team maintains his innocence and argues that his actions were protected by the powers of the office of the president.
During the hearing on Thursday, the liberal justices expressed skepticism towards the argument presented by the Trump attorneys. Justice Sonia Sotomayor specifically questioned the legal consequences if the former president were to be involved in a scenario where someone is killed while in office.
John Sauer, the attorney for Donald Trump, suggested that the statement in question could potentially be considered an official act, specifically in reference to the assassination of a political rival.
According to Sotomayor, Trump’s lawyers are requesting the court’s permission for the president to utilize his position solely for personal gain, without being held accountable for any potential criminal actions.
