Jack Smith last Monday requested the US Supreme Court to review and provide a ruling on Trump’s immunity claims.
On Wednesday, President Trump’s lawyers urged the Supreme Court to reject Mr. Smith’s request for an expedited ruling, arguing that Trump is immune from federal prosecution for alleged crimes committed during his time as US President.
“In 234 years of American history, no president ever faced criminal prosecution for his official acts. Until 19 days ago, no court had ever addressed whether immunity from such prosecution exists,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in Wednesday’s filing, according to CBS News. “To this day, no appellate court has addressed it. The question stands among the most complex, intricate, and momentous issues that this Court will be called on to decide.”
Jack Smith bypassed the Appellate Court and took the Trump immunity claims directly to the US Supreme Court.
On Thursday, Smith acknowledged that his case of January 6 is currently in abeyance. He further conceded his intention to hold Trump accountable before the 2024 election.
“This case involves—for the first time in our Nation’s history—criminal charges against a former President based on his actions while in office,” Smith wrote in Thursday’s filing, according to Fox News. “And not just any actions: alleged acts to perpetuate himself in power by frustrating the constitutionally prescribed process for certifying the lawful winner of an election. The Nation has a compelling interest in a decision on respondent’s claim of immunity from these charges—and if they are to be tried, a resolution by conviction or acquittal, without undue delay.”
NEW: Jack Smith files response to Trump’s reply to DOJ petition for SCOTUS to expedite consideration of presidential immunity matter.
Smith getting closer to admitting Biden regime wants this trial over and done before Election Day pic.twitter.com/ENrHZpKbm5
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) December 21, 2023
On Thursday, Jack Smith acknowledged that his January 6 case was in limbo due to Judge Tanya Chutkan’s decision to suspend proceedings pending resolution of the dispute regarding former President Trump’s immunity argument.
This prompted Trump’s lawyers to respond with a demand for expedited appeal of Judge Chutkan’s order at the DC Circuit Court of Appeals (separate from his response to Smith’s appeal to the Supreme Court).
As a result, Smith’s March 4 trial date was effectively canceled.
“In short, the case is now on hold,” Jack Smith wrote in a desperate plea to the US Supreme Court.
Some disputed my earlier reporting that due to immunity appeal, all pretrial proceedings were on hold.
Jack Smith just admitted as much pic.twitter.com/tLDDtKgMyA
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) December 21, 2023
The Supreme Court indicated it would grant Jack Smith’s request for expedited consideration in a succinct order.
“The court’s brief order did not signal what it ultimately would do.” – the AP reported.
According to the Associated Press, the Supreme Court is scheduled to convene on January 5th, 2024.
ICYMI: Jack Smith Adds Lawyer From Mueller’s Inquisition to His Special Counsel Team
