Photo: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons
On January 6, 2021, the Washington Court of Appeals, which is responsible for analyzing the immunity argument for the actions of former President Donald Trump (photo), expressed skepticism about the theory that he could not be indicted for inciting his supporters to invade incited the Capitol. The decisive factor is whether the Republican can run again for the office of president of the country in November of this year.
The three justices that make up the court two from the Democratic Party, one from the Republican Party did not appear to accept the theory of complete immunity for Trump's actions during his presidency, put forward by the former president's lawyer, John Sauer.
“I find it paradoxical that the president's role in ensuring that laws are faithfully executed allows him to violate the criminal law,” said Judge Karen Henderson, who served in the George H. W. Bush administration (1989 1993) was appointed.
In an hour and 15 minute session, the justices heard the argument from Sauer and the Justice Department, which is representing the United States against the president. “The president has a unique constitutional role, but he is not above the law,” argued James Pearce, prosecutor in the case on behalf of the United States government.
The former president personally attended the meeting but did not speak at any time.
Trump gave an impassioned speech on January 6, 2021, urging his supporters to march to the Capitol, where lawmakers would certify the election that handed victory to Democrat Joe Biden. When members of Congress analyzed the legislation from a commission in 2022, they found evidence that he had planned the march against the legislature.
The invasion of the building, seen as an attempted coup, is one of several lawsuits Trump who is increasingly popular to return to the White House faces in court.
However, the decision on Trump's immunity is likely to ultimately end up with the Supreme Court, the highest court in the country.
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