Appeals Court Judges Question Trump's Claim of Immunity in Election Overturn Plot Case

Takeaways:

• Federal appeals court judges in Washington expressed skepticism about former President Donald Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution regarding charges that he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.

• The judges, including two appointed by President Joe Biden, questioned their jurisdiction to consider Trump's appeal at this stage, suggesting the possibility of dismissal.

• Trump's lawyers argued that prosecuting a president for official acts would set a dangerous precedent, but the judges appeared unconvinced, noting that absolute immunity after leaving office is not supported by historical precedent.

• The case is currently on hold pending the appeal, with special counsel Jack Smith eager to proceed to trial before the November election, while Trump's legal team seeks to delay the trial, potentially past the election.

• The outcome of the appeal has significant implications for the criminal case against Trump and the broader legal question of whether a former president can be prosecuted for actions taken while in office.

References:

[1] With Trump present in court, judges express skepticism of claims that he’s immune from prosecution. Link

[2] Trump to attend appeals court arguments over immunity in 2020 election case. Link

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