After a crucial hearing, U.S. Supreme Court justices are weighing arguments for and against Donald Trump's claims of presidential immunity from 2020 election interference charges, but a ruling will take time.

Washington

The 2024 United States presidential election, expected to be between Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump is set to take place this November. 

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The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deliberating on a significant legal confrontation concerning Donald Trump's assertion of presidential immunity in the face of charges related to attempts to interfere with the 2020 election outcomes. This pivotal case, drawing national attention, could potentially reshape the scope of presidential powers within the United States.

Central to the controversy is whether Trump's alleged actions, aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 election and associated with the events of January 6th Capitol riots, fall under his duties as president, thereby granting him immunity from prosecution. The case examines historical precedents where, over more than two centuries, no sitting or former president has been prosecuted for actions deemed part of official presidential duties.

During the oral arguments, Supreme Court justices scrutinized the implications of granting absolute immunity to a president, pondering on the balance between presidential responsibility and accountability to the law. The discourse highlighted concerns over the potential for unchecked presidential conduct if immunity were to be affirmed.

Additionally, the justices considered the broader ramifications of their decision, recognizing its significance not just for the current moment but for the enduring legal framework governing presidential accountability. Opposition to Trump's claims argued that adopting his defense of absolute immunity could set a dangerous precedent, effectively placing former presidents beyond the reach of criminal law for actions including bribery, treason, and sedition.

This case also intertwines with Trump's legal challenges elsewhere, as he voiced his frustration over being unable to attend the Supreme Court hearing due to ongoing proceedings in a separate criminal case in New York. The decision by the Supreme Court, which includes three justices appointed by Trump, is awaited with considerable anticipation, understanding that its consequences will extend far beyond the immediate political landscape, potentially altering the presidency itself.



U.S. Supreme Court weighs arguments on Trump immunity case

These protests are a snapshot of the searing attention on the Supreme Court as it rules on a historic case that could forever change presidential power in the U.S. Our country is on the line. The crowd gathered outside. Oral arguments happened inside over Trump's immunity claim for alleged criminal acts committed while in office that accuse him of trying to overturn the 2020 election results in connection with the January 6th Capitol riots. At the heart of Trump's defense that he was just doing his job as president. For 234 years of American history, no president was ever prosecuted for his official acts. Without presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, there can be no presidency as we know it. But the justices pressed on that point. If there's no threat of criminal prosecution, what prevents the president from just doing whatever he wants? Just to clarify this, the president's not above the law. The president's not a king. If the Supreme Court rules in Trump's favor, it could send the election interference case back to a lower court and further delay a trial beyond the November vote. Government lawyers aimed to convince the justices of the dangerous consequences of siding with Trump. This court has never recognized absolute criminal immunity for any public official. His novel theory would immunize former presidents for criminal liability for bribery, treason, sedition, murder. From a different courthouse, Trump griped about missing the hearing because of his hush money criminal case in New York. If you don't have immunity, you're not going to do anything. You're going to become a ceremonial president. The nine justices, including three appointed by Trump, will make history with their ruling. You also appreciate that we're writing a rule for the ages. And for the future of its highest office. Chris Reyes, CBC News, New York.

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