The US Supreme Court is expected to rule on Monday on whether or not Donald Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
The former president’s defense has already been shot down by the federal judge overseeing the election interference case brought against him, as well as by a unanimous panel of appeals court judges, the latter writing that Trump’s attempts to stay in power after losing the vote to Joe Biden four years ago represented “an unprecedented assault on the structure of our government.”
The question is now in the hands of the nation’s highest court.
Its answer could have profound consequences for holding former presidents accountable for crimes committed while occupying the White House.
But the court’s decision to take up the case – and to wait until the final day of its current session to issue a ruling – ensures that voters will not see a verdict in the case against Trump for unlawfully conspiring to overturn the last election before they cast their ballots in the next one this November.
Key Points
Chief justice says Supreme Court’s final decisions of this term coming on Monday
10:30 , Joe Sommerlad
This was the last we heard from the court on Friday.
Justice John Roberts says the Supreme Court’s last decisions of this term are coming on Monday
.
Hello and welcome!
10:04 , Joe Sommerlad
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the US Supreme Court as the nine justices prepare to hand down their long-awaited ruling on Donald Trump’s claim that he should be granted absolute immunity from criminal prosecution over any actions carried out during his tenure in the White House.
The justices heard oral arguments on the matter in late April but have waited until the final day of their legislative term to reveal their ruling, which is expected to have huge consequences for this year’s presidential election between Trump and Joe Biden.
