Judge Postpones Decision on Trump's New York Criminal Case
Decision Delayed to November 19 Amid Potential Presidential Immunity Debate
In New York, a judge has deferred until November 19 a decision that could potentially dismiss President-elect Donald Trump's criminal conviction.
Trump was found guilty in May of 34 felony counts for allegedly modifying business records to conceal a purported sexual encounter with a porn star before the 2016 election.
Scheduled for sentencing on November 26, Trump might avoid it if Judge Juan Merchan decides to drop the case following a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.
The Court's decision was influenced by its 6-3 conservative majority, asserting broad presidential immunity from prosecution for official acts during their tenure.
Trump's legal team has advocated for dismissal in light of this ruling, however, prosecutors have opposed this motion.
Should the case be dismissed, Trump would evade sentencing; otherwise, his legal team is poised to resist or delay, arguing it would clash with his duties as commander-in-chief.
The court has confirmed the parties' request for a stay until November 19, coinciding with the imminent Trump presidency's start on January 20.
An editorial by the Kansas City Star suggested an unprecedented action of expecting a president-elect to assume office from jail.
Opponents like former Attorney General Bill Barr have criticized the legal actions against Trump as politically motivated and without merit, detracting from national focus.
Trump has labeled the New York case a 'witch hunt,' seeking termination.
Alongside this state-level case, Trump is involved in two federal cases: one regarding his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and another on mishandling classified documents post-office, both tapering due to Trump's imminent presidency.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, overseeing these federal cases, is reportedly closing them down, especially after a Trump-appointed judge dismissed the documents case.
These developments substantially impact the legal accountability of Trump.
Trump's election victory underscores a significant challenge to upholding the rule of law and takes place amid a dramatic political climate.
Notably, in July, Trump survived an attempt on his life, and later, President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy after a poor debate, paving the way for Kamala Harris to become the first woman of color to represent a major U.S. party in a presidential bid.
Trump was found guilty in May of 34 felony counts for allegedly modifying business records to conceal a purported sexual encounter with a porn star before the 2016 election.
Scheduled for sentencing on November 26, Trump might avoid it if Judge Juan Merchan decides to drop the case following a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.
The Court's decision was influenced by its 6-3 conservative majority, asserting broad presidential immunity from prosecution for official acts during their tenure.
Trump's legal team has advocated for dismissal in light of this ruling, however, prosecutors have opposed this motion.
Should the case be dismissed, Trump would evade sentencing; otherwise, his legal team is poised to resist or delay, arguing it would clash with his duties as commander-in-chief.
The court has confirmed the parties' request for a stay until November 19, coinciding with the imminent Trump presidency's start on January 20.
An editorial by the Kansas City Star suggested an unprecedented action of expecting a president-elect to assume office from jail.
Opponents like former Attorney General Bill Barr have criticized the legal actions against Trump as politically motivated and without merit, detracting from national focus.
Trump has labeled the New York case a 'witch hunt,' seeking termination.
Alongside this state-level case, Trump is involved in two federal cases: one regarding his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and another on mishandling classified documents post-office, both tapering due to Trump's imminent presidency.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, overseeing these federal cases, is reportedly closing them down, especially after a Trump-appointed judge dismissed the documents case.
These developments substantially impact the legal accountability of Trump.
Trump's election victory underscores a significant challenge to upholding the rule of law and takes place amid a dramatic political climate.
Notably, in July, Trump survived an attempt on his life, and later, President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy after a poor debate, paving the way for Kamala Harris to become the first woman of color to represent a major U.S. party in a presidential bid.
