There is no reason for the Supreme Court to hear Trump’s immunity claim, but four arguably conservative justices decided to set fire to the court’s remaining credibility by agreeing to hear the case.
Judge Luttig responded to the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case by saying:
Look, this is a big decision, just to hear this case. There was no reason in the world for the Supreme Court to take this case. The three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia had written a masterly opinion, denying that the president’s claims of absolute immunity under the Constitution and laws of the United States had never existed. arguments that a former President is immune from prosecution for crimes committed while in office.
On a more practical level, of course, the court – the Supreme Court is able to decide very quickly, in time for the former president to be put on trial, before the election. But today’s decision makes that much more unlikely.
For more stories like this, sign up for our The Daily newsletter.
Video:
Judge Luttig #DeadlineWH he says there is no reason #SCOTO to accept Trump’s immunity request, “Look, this is a landmark decision, just to hear this case. There was no reason in the world for the Supreme Court to take this case.” pic.twitter.com/daOG14pxxG
– Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 28, 2024
Andrew Weissmann tweeted that this decision effectively constitutes immunity for Trump:
SCOTUS keeps DC case and expedites hearing of Trump’s immunity appeal. But every day of delay is equivalent to granting Trump de facto immunity. https://t.co/y3sAI8xJ7p
— Andrew Weissmann (weissmann11 on Discussions)🌻 (@AWeissmann_) February 28, 2024
In this case there is no unresolved legal issue. Every single court, at every level, has ruled against Trump’s claim of absolute immunity every time his lawyers have made that argument. The only good news is that the Supreme Court will hear the case on April 22. The bad news is that there is no guarantee that they will issue a quick ruling.
Even considering this case, when there is no open legal question, is an act of corruption.
The conservative majority on the Supreme Court has proven once again that it is lawless and that is why the Court needs oversight and reform.
A special message from PoliticusUSA
If you are in a position to donate exclusively to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here.
We are honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we respond only to our readers and will not compromise on that core, core value of PoliticusUSA.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a member of the White House press pool and a congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in political science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Professional rewards and subscriptions
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association