Trial Delayed as Judge Puts Trump Election Interference Case on Hold
Federal judge temporarily pauses all procedural deadlines in Trump's election interference case, pending appeals that could potentially push back his scheduled March 2024 trial
A federal judge has temporarily halted procedural deadlines in Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case due to appeals over a major issue that could result in the postponement of his March 2024 trial date. Judge Tanya Chutkan's order recognizes that she no longer has jurisdiction over certain aspects of the case while the DC Circuit Court of Appeals determines whether Trump is immune and can stand trial. To expedite the appeals process, special counsel Jack Smith has requested the Supreme Court's intervention.
Special counsel Jack Smith and former President Donald Trump
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Special counsel goes directly to Supreme Court to resolve whether Trump has immunity from prosecution
In her order, Chutkan mentioned that the trial date scheduled for March 4, 2024, may be impacted, and that she will reassess the date after the appeals process is completed. Despite this, she clarified that the temporary halt does not prevent her from implementing measures she has already put in place to protect the fairness of the proceedings, such as the restricted gag order against Trump and his release conditions.
The writer noted that if a criminal defendant could bypass crucial safeguards by claiming immunity and then appealing its denial, they could irreparably harm future proceedings and their participants during the appeal process. Smith recently asked the US Supreme Court to quickly decide key issues in the Trump case, including whether the former president has immunity from criminal prosecution for alleged crimes committed while in office and whether Trump is protected by double jeopardy due to his acquittal during the impeachment trial.
The prosecutors have also requested that the DC Circuit expedite its review of the immunity matter, with the goal of quickly appealing the case to the high court through the regular appeals process if the justices do not agree to hear the case immediately.
In response, defense attorneys have opposed the expedited appeals process, alleging that prosecutors are attempting to interfere with their holiday travel plans and to "disenfranchise" voters in 2024.
This story has been updated with additional details.
