Supreme Court issues decision on Trump immunity case
People walk past the Supreme Court on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Washington. AP Photo / Mark Schiefelbein
This morning, the United States Supreme Court issued a split ruling in the case about whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his actions aimed at undoing the 2020 election loss, including his alleged role in the riot on January 6th.
The majority opinion found that presidents have absolute immunity for actions related to core constitutional powers—like nominating people for the Supreme Court—but no immunity for unofficial acts. The decision sends the case back to the trial judge to decide how that framework applies to what Trump is charged with.
Today on the 21st, we'll discuss the decision and its implications.
GUEST:
Vikram “Vik” Amar
Distinguished professor of law, University of California Davis
Professor and former dean of the University of Illinois College of Law