The Supreme Court is making room in its schedule to deal with potential Trump-related legal challenges this term, according to former prosecutor Joyce Vance. These challenges could include Trump’s election-fraud case in Washington, D.C., as well as challenges to the result of the 2024 election if Trump loses. Trump has been indicted in Washington, D.C., on four counts related to allegedly working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, but has pleaded not guilty, calling the case a political witch hunt. Vance noted that despite a lighter than usual docket, there is still room on the Court’s calendar for anticipated Trump appeals.
Vance believes that potential Trump challenges in the Supreme Court include a presidential immunity appeal that could prevent Trump from facing a jury in Washington, D.C. The Court previously ruled that Trump had broad immunity from prosecution, leading to a new indictment by prosecutor Jack Smith and the release of evidence against Trump. Depending on how the trial judge handles the new indictment, either side is likely to take a Supreme Court challenge. Other potential Trump-related Supreme Court challenges include an appeal related to a decision dismissing charges against Trump for hoarding presidential records in Florida. Trump was facing federal charges in this case, but his attorney is contesting the decision before a federal appeals court.
In addition to the current legal challenges Trump is facing, Vance wrote that there are “inevitable” post-election challenges that Trump may bring if he loses the presidency in 2024. These challenges could involve legal disputes related to the election outcome and its validity. Vance’s analysis suggests that the Supreme Court is preparing for a range of potential Trump-related cases, given the gap in the Court’s schedule that could accommodate these appeals. The Court recently added fifteen cases to its docket following a long conference evaluating numerous petitions and other motions, indicating its readiness for the cases they anticipate in relation to Trump.
Overall, the Supreme Court’s readiness for Trump-related legal challenges suggests that the former president’s legal battles are far from over. From election-fraud cases to challenges involving classified documents and post-election disputes, Trump’s legal troubles continue to play out on a national stage. The Court’s actions indicate that it is bracing for potential appeals and challenges related to Trump’s presidency and legal woes. As the legal battles unfold, the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting and deciding on these matters will be crucial in shaping the legal landscape in the coming years.
