U.S.
Temporary Halt of Legal Proceedings Against Donald Trump in Federal Election Conspiracy Case
Dec
In a significant development in the federal case against Donald Trump, accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results, a judge has temporarily halted legal proceedings. The primary argument is that the case should not proceed to trial while the former president asserts immunity claims in higher courts.
Judge Suspends Donald Trump Case, Reviews Timetable
Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a three-page decree on Wednesday, announcing the suspension of “any further proceedings that would propel this case towards trial or impose additional burdens of litigation on Defendant [Trump].” Trial set for March 4, but Chutkan may adjust schedule after regaining full case control.
Supreme Court Expedites Deliberation
Chutkan’s decision comes after special counsel Jack Smith petitioned the Supreme Court to promptly hear Trump’s contentions regarding immunity from prosecution based on his prior office. The Supreme Court agreed to expedite its deliberation, setting a December 20 deadline for Trump’s legal team to respond.
Chutkan Asserts Limited Control in Trump Case
Both parties agreed on the automatic stay mandated by the law during the appeal. However, they differed on whether Chutkan could rule on previously filed motions. Chutkan asserted in her directive that she still retains some limited jurisdiction over the case, ensuring Trump’s compliance with measures she has “already imposed to safeguard the integrity of these proceedings.”
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Chutkan Denies Trump’s Immunity Claim, Appeal Filed to DC Circuit
Chutkan previously rejected dismissing criminal charges against Trump, citing no immunity. She emphasized, “The U.S. has only one Chief Executive at a time,” denying a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail’ pass. Trump then appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and sought a pause in proceedings from Chutkan.
Quick Appeal Sought for Donald Trump, Legal Team Resists Speed
The prosecution sought expedited consideration of Trump’s appeal, approaching both the Supreme Court and the D.C. Circuit. Trump’s legal team resisted expediting the appeal in the D.C. Circuit, citing the case’s complexity and sensitivity.
Limited Gag Order and Reaffirmation
Chutkan, in her ruling on Wednesday, reaffirmed her commitment to enforcing the limited gag order she had imposed on Trump. This order prevents him from publicly attacking prosecutors, court staff, and potential witnesses. While a D.C. Circuit panel largely upheld the gag order last week, it narrowed the restrictions to allow Trump to continue criticizing Smith himself, whom Trump has repeatedly labeled as “deranged.”
