"A King Above the Law": Supreme Court Rules Presidents Have Broad Immunity from Prosecution

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Published 2024-07-02
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In a historic decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled on Monday that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution. The 6-3 ruling by the court's right-wing majority — including all three justices appointed by Trump — was issued on the final day of the Supreme Court's term and just four months ahead of November's presidential election. It will further delay Trump's criminal trial for leading the January 6 insurrection. The ruling upends more than two centuries of legal precedent, for the first time shielding U.S. presidents from criminal accountability. "In one fell swoop, this court has essentially left the American people to the whims of the president of the United States — any president of the United States, but particularly Mr. Trump," says Donald Sherman, executive director and chief counsel of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW. We also speak with Lisa Graves, executive director of the watchdog group True North Research, who says the Supreme Court's conservative wing has left the country "unmoored from the rule of law" by adopting such an expansive view of presidential power. "This decision is the most reckless and dangerous decision ever issued by the U.S. Supreme Court," says Graves.

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All Comments (21)
  • @DiscoGemini
    This ruling makes the unelected people behind the throne more powerful .
  • @habsa8855
    It is against the nation's constitution. No one is above the law.
  • @mich_class
    Funny ppl. Just put your political opponents in jail. That is what these ppl want.
  • Every Supreme Court Justice should be completely neutral.Our whole government should be completely neutral
  • @swishpolitics
    Surely we already knew this? Where was the prosecution of George W Bush?
  • Question: Does the SCOTUS ruling therefore allow the current president to incarcerate the former president as a risk to national security?
  • It's sad and quite frankly scary what's happening in this country. The reality is.....We're headed towards very dark times!
  • @bpalpha
    No one is asking the most pertinent question, why? Why would a seated US president need to violate the laws they are SWORN to uphold?!
  • @7018bluegrass
    A President Must be Accountable or dire consequences could result. The Wrong Person in the Presidential Position could potentially Destroy America from within!
  • @kft590
    The Supreme Court should just dispense with the nonpartisan pretense. and just say Make America Great Again at the end of their Rulings.
  • One day, Amy, could you tell us how much the American people spent in taxes on Trump’s trials?
  • @meznehemia
    Clear the Court, Joe. You're 100% immune because it's an official act 😂 While you're at it, pack it 😂
  • @reachtrita
    NOOOO, the President must be the ONE who is prime example of a good citizen who abides by the law!
  • @JH-zr8lo
    Why would we need a president if that one person is not accountable by any standard. Eliminate the office if it has no purpose for the American people
  • The founding Fathers did not want to put up with a King, Authoritarian, Dictator, Tyrant. How this fits in with the principals of America is a complete mystery.