Special counsel: Trump immunity claim threatens democracy

[LetMyPeopleVote]

Source: Politico

Donald Trump’s bold claims that he’s immune from criminal prosecution over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election “threaten to undermine democracy,” special counsel Jack Smith warned a federal appeals court Saturday.

In a brief filed with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, Smith rejected Trump’s contention that the criminal indictment of him for trying to reverse his loss at the polls three years ago is constitutionally invalid because he was serving as president at the time and also because he was acquitted by the Senate after he was impeached for those actions.

“Rather than vindicating our constitutional framework, the defendant’s sweeping immunity claim threatens to license Presidents to commit crimes to remain in office,” Smith and his team wrote in an 82-page filing. “The Founders did not intend and would never have countenanced such a result.”

While Trump has argued that allowing a prosecution such as the one he faces in Washington would chill future presidents from carrying out their duties due to the prospect of future criminal indictment, Smith contends that fear is overblown.

“Multiple safeguards — ultimately enforced by the Article III courts — protect against any potential burdens on the Presidency that the defendant claims to fear,” prosecutors wrote. “Any burdens of post-Presidency criminal liability have minimal impact on the functions of an incumbent and are outweighed by the paramount public interest in upholding the rule of law through federal prosecution.”



Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/30/special-counsel-trump-immunity-claim-threatens-democracy-00133353

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Link to tweet

[TigressDem]

1. Because IN A DEMOCRACY - NO ONE is above the law.

So quit threatening the people trying to enforce the law that the Constitution gave US to fight fascism.

Geeze people, read a book, get a clue.

IF SOMEONE REFUSES to release the power of the Presidency ONCE, GAME OVER.

Your boy had a dirty face, crying tantrum on TV, probably shit in his depends more than once and NOW he's getting put in the corner.

DEAL WITH IT.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

2. This brief addresses the extreme danger in giving any POTUS the type of immunity sought by TFG

Link to tweet

[republianmushroom]

3. Thank you, Jack and team.

[SouthernDem4ever]

4. It's bizarre that this has to be stated

and that a district court is even hearing such a stupid, reckless argument from Drump.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

5. New Jack Smith court filing dismantles Trump's claim that he should be above our nation's laws

Link to tweet

[Hekate]

6. KnR

[riversedge]

7. Smith continues to work for us through the holidays.