In a pivotal hearing regarding the Georgia election interference case, lawyers representing former President Donald Trump brought forth a notable legal argument.
They claimed that his pending trial in Fulton County should be deferred if Trump is victorious in the 2024 presidential election.
This stance, articulated during a comprehensive six-hour hearing on December 1, 2023, is grounded in the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
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Attorney’s Statement
Steve Sadow, representing Trump, explicitly stated this position in court, asserting, “Under the Supremacy Clause and its duty to the president of the United States, this trial would not take place at all until after he left his term of office.”
This declaration implies that should Trump return to the presidency, his trial could be delayed until at least January 20, 2029.
Prosecution’s Perspective
Contrasting this view, Fulton County prosecutor Nathan Wade emphasized the impartiality of the district attorney, Fani Willis, regarding the presidential election.
He assured the court of their commitment to progressing the case, aiming to adhere to the August trial date. Wade stated, “Our obvious goal is, and has been, to stick to our August trial date.”
Court’s Current Stance
As of the December 1 hearing, no conclusive rulings have been issued from the bench. The judge also still needs to set a new trial date, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty.
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The Election and Trial Schedule
The timing of the trial coincides intriguingly with the presidential campaign season. Projections show Trump as a leading Republican candidate, with his lawyers expressing concern over the potential overlap of the trial and the 2024 presidential campaign.
“It’s possible at that time, that my client will be running for election for president of the United States for the Republican Party,” Mr. Sadow conveyed, highlighting the undesirable scenario of Trump being on trial during his campaign.
Debate Over Election Interference
The defense’s suggestion that the trial could interfere with the election was met with opposition from Wade, who insisted,
“This trial does not constitute election interference. This is moving forward with the business of Fulton County.”
First Amendment Concerns
Additionally, Trump’s attorneys raised First Amendment concerns, arguing that the indictment criminalizes political activity.
Sadow told the judge that the indictment, when viewed through the lens of the First Amendment, violates free speech rights and should, therefore, be dismissed.
The case involves 18 other defendants, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Several co-defendants have pleaded guilty in plea deals, while the remaining, including Trump, have pleaded not guilty.
Trump faces additional charges in three other jurisdictions.
The Road Ahead
As the legal proceedings continue, the intertwining of Trump’s potential presidential campaign and his legal battles presents a complex and unprecedented scenario.
With the possibility of the trial extending into the presidential campaign season, the case continues to draw significant attention and speculation about its impact on both the legal and political landscapes.
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