Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on Thursday agreed with former President Trump’s lawyers that judges must distinguish between private and public conduct to determine whether a president can be prosecuted. Trump appeared to reject the allegations, warning that the claims could turn the Oval Office into a “base of crime.” ”
The court heard oral arguments Thursday in Trump’s immunity suit. The lawsuit argues that the former president cannot be prosecuted for crimes committed during his time in office because legal liability limits his ability to act.
Jackson noted that the president has access to “the best lawyers in the world” to determine whether his actions are legal.
“Why would a situation arise where the president could say he should perform official acts without any responsibility to abide by the law?” she asked.
But she later said she was concerned about Trump’s assertion that he could become “callous” while in office without fear of prosecution after leaving office.
“I believe that if a person with such power, the most powerful person in the world with the most authority, could come to office knowing that he could commit a crime with no chance of being punished, then… I think there’s going to be a significant reverse problem,”’ Jackson said.
“I’m trying to understand what’s preventing the Oval Office from becoming a hub of criminal activity in this country.”
The Supreme Court arguments came after a special federal prosecutor indicted Trump on multiple felonies for aiding efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump’s lawyers maintained his innocence, adding that the former president’s actions were also protected by his office.
The liberal justices appeared critical of Trump’s claims Thursday, with Justice Sotomayor questioning the former president’s lawyers about legal liability if the president kills someone while in office.
“That could have been an official act,” President Trump’s lawyer John Sauer said, referring to the assassination of a political opponent.
Mr. Sotomayor said Mr. Trump’s lawyers are asking the court to allow the president to use the Oval Office for “completely personal gain without incurring criminal charges.”
Trump’s claims have so far been rejected by two lower courts. The case is the first time a judge will consider an appeal from one of Trump’s four criminal indictments, and the judge’s decision will determine whether those who have not yet been tried will be sent to a jury. there is a possibility.
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