Special Counsel Emphasizes Significance of Trump Case, Urges Supreme Court for Immediate Immunity Dispute Hearing

Special counsel Jack Smith renewed his plea for the Supreme Court to swiftly determine whether Donald Trump is immune from prosecution for actions during his presidency. "The urgency of this case calls for a conclusive ruling from the Court without delay. The severity of the charges cannot be understated," Smith stated in a recent submission.

On December 17, 2023, in Reno, Nevada, former U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, delivered a speech during a campaign rally at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Trump held the rally as part of his efforts to secure the Republican nomination for the 2024 Presidential election. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Trumps creating just the kind of legal chaos he wants for 2024

The high court is currently debating whether to resolve the immunity dispute before a federal appeals court makes a decision. On Wednesday, Trump urged the court not to bypass the appeals court. Trump's legal strategy in the case has mainly focused on trying to delay the proceedings. Smith's attempt to involve the high court is an effort to expedite the resolution and counter Trump's approach.

Smith urged the high court to promptly resolve the matter, drawing a parallel to a case during the Watergate era involving then-President Richard Nixon. The special counsel emphasized the significance of the issue at hand, as it will determine whether the former President will stand trial in less than three months.

The Supreme Court bypassed an appeals court in 1974 to expedite a case involving Nixon's claims of presidential privilege in a subpoena battle over Oval Office tapes. Trump has filed court papers urging the justices to delay the hearing of the dispute, alleging that Smith is attempting to hastily rush him to trial in March with "reckless abandon."

Smith vehemently opposed Trump's claims on Thursday, stating that they are unfounded and incorrect. According to Smith, the former president is facing serious allegations due to the grand jury's adherence to facts and the law. He urged the justices to resolve the immunity claim promptly so that the charges can be resolved, regardless of the outcome.

Smith emphasized the importance of enforcing federal criminal laws that prohibit such conduct in order to protect our constitutional processes and democracy. This story has been revised with further information.