Supreme Court issues GREATLY CONSEQUENTIAL decision on Trump's immunity claim

Summary

Harry analyzes the Supreme Court's decision to review Trump's immunity claims regarding the election interference case. He argues the decision benefits Trump by delaying any potential trial until after the 2024 election. Even if the Court rules against Trump's immunity claims, pre-trial proceedings would extend into late 2022, with a trial unlikely before November 2024. This prevents voters from considering evidence against Trump when assessing his fitness for office.

Takeaways

• 😮 Supreme Court decided to review appeals court decision that Trump does not have immunity from lawsuits related to Jan 6 attack
• 😟 Review introduces delay that benefits Trump by potentially pushing trial past 2024 election
• 😠 Court is not expediting the case as quickly as it could given the stakes
• 🤔 Opinion likely won't come until May at the earliest, then case goes back to lower court
• 😖 Earliest possible trial date around Labor Day 2024, but could easily slip later
• 😳 Raises prospect of Trump being on trial during peak of 2024 campaign
• 😡 Series of breaks have enabled Trump to avoid reckoning for unconstitutional acts so far
• 🧐 Evidence and potential conviction intertwined with judgment of voters in 2024 election
• 😥 Voters likely won't have complete information to evaluate Trump before voting
• 😱 Prospect of autocratic threat from second Trump term elevated by lack of pre-election trial

Q & A

What are the two key issues regarding the Supreme Court's decision to review Trump's immunity claims?

The two key issues are the merits of the immunity claims and the timing/potential for delay that could prevent the case from being resolved before the 2024 election.

Why does the author think the Supreme Court is unlikely to hold in Trump's favor regarding immunity?

The author thinks it's unlikely because the charges relate to clearly illegal behavior outside the scope of Trump's official presidential duties.

What is the main 'disheartening aspect' of the Supreme Court's decision to hear the case?

The main disheartening aspect is the court's schedule, which makes it unlikely the case will be resolved before the 2024 election.

When will the Supreme Court hear arguments in the case?

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case the week of April 22, 2024.

What happens after the Supreme Court issues its opinion in late May under the author's timeline?

The case returns to Judge Chutkan for the remainder of pre-trial proceedings, likely concluding in late August at the earliest.

What are the implications if the Supreme Court remands the immunity issue back to lower courts?

A remand would cause further delays, but likely wouldn't help Trump since courts have already rejected immunity claims for his actions around 1/6.

What is the 'best case scenario' for the timing of a trial according to the author?

The best case scenario is a trial starting around Labor Day 2024, in the midst of the presidential campaign.

Why does the author think the delayed timeline poses risks to American democracy?

The author thinks Trump remaining legally unaccountable for 1/6 poses risks as voters will lack full information about his fitness for office in 2024.

Who will likely argue the case for special counsel Jack Smith before the Supreme Court?

Michael Dreeben, a respected, longtime solicitor general's office attorney, will likely argue for Smith.

What is the author's overall conclusion about the Supreme Court's decision?

The decision makes it much less likely for a pre-election trial, forcing voters to judge Trump's 1/6 actions without complete legal clarity.