Supreme Court rejects Trump's absolute immunity claim for unofficial acts
Supreme Court rejects Trump's absolute immunity claim for unofficial acts
The ruling will affect special counsel Jack Smith's Jan. 6 case against Trump.
ByDevin Dwyer
July 1, 2024, 10:43 AM
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Donald Trump's sweeping claim of "absolute" immunity from criminal prosecution for unofficial acts but granted some protections for former presidents for official acts taken while in the White House.
The split 6-3 opinion was authored by Chief Justice John Roberts.
"The President is not above the law," the opinion read. "But under our system of separated powers, the President may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers, and he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for his official acts. That immunity applies equally to all occupants of the Oval Office."
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.