The US Supreme Court recognized partial immunity of former presidents from criminal prosecution
The US Supreme Court ruled that former presidents have partial immunity from criminal prosecution for official actions taken while in office.
The US Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump cannot be held criminally liable for actions taken while he was president, but he can be prosecuted for personal conduct.
The court granted former presidents partial immunity from criminal prosecution, reports Reuters.
Recognition of Immunity for Former Presidents
In a 6-3 decision written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court's ruling that denied Trump immunity from criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Six conservative justices formed the majority, while three liberal justices dissented.
Case Sent Back for Further Review
Trump's case will be sent back to lower courts for further review. The Supreme Court also ruled that Trump has absolute immunity for his discussions with the Department of Justice, but other aspects of the case require additional consideration.
Trump, the Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 election, hailed the decision as a "great victory for the constitution and democracy."
The legal proceedings related to election interference are now unlikely to be completed before the election.
Opinions and Criticism
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her dissenting opinion, stated that the decision "perverts the principle that no one is above the law, which is fundamental to our constitution." She added that this decision "alters the institution of the presidency." Critics believe this ruling could delay the legal process and make it more difficult to hold former presidents accountable for their actions.
Republican Senator JD Vance, a potential vice-presidential candidate for Donald Trump, stated that the Supreme Court's decision on immunity is a huge victory for Trump and the rule of law, which could destroy Jack Smith's case against the former president.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the Supreme Court's decision, calling it "a sad day for democracy." He emphasized that no one should be above the law, including the president.
Other Democrats, including Pramila Jayapal and Frederica Wilson, also expressed outrage, accusing the "extreme right-wing Supreme Court" of undermining the principle of equality before the law and reducing presidential accountability for criminal actions.