Courthouse Steps Decision: Trump v. United States

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In Trump v. United States, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office. Former President Trump's legal team argued that a former president should have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts performed during their tenure, citing the need for presidents to act boldly without fear of future prosecution. They contended that all allegations in the indictment fell within Trump's official duties as president. The United States government, represented by Special Counsel Jack Smith, argued that while presidents may have some immunity for official acts, this does not extend to criminal conduct or actions outside the scope of presidential duties. The Court ruled in a 6-3 opinion that former presidents have absolute immunity for actions within their "conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority" and presumptive immunity for other official acts, but no immunity for unofficial acts. The case was remanded to lower courts to determine which of Trump's alleged actions were official or unofficial.
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