Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Politics

Justice Sotomayor Challenges Trump's Attorney On Presidential Immunity

Trump Organization trial in New York State Supreme Court in New York

During a recent court session, Justice Sonia Sotomayor engaged in a thought-provoking exchange with former President Trump's attorney regarding the issue of presidential immunity from prosecution for acts of personal gain versus official acts. The discussion centered around the hypothetical scenario of a president ordering the military to assassinate a political rival under the guise of combating corruption.

Justice Sotomayor posed a critical question, asking whether such an action could be considered an official act deserving of immunity. Trump's attorney, D. John Sauer, acknowledged that such an extreme measure could potentially fall under the umbrella of official acts.

However, Justice Sotomayor challenged this assertion by highlighting the personal gain aspect of the hypothetical scenario. She pointed out that if a president were to order an assassination for personal gain rather than a legitimate official purpose, it raised serious ethical and legal concerns.

She emphasized that allowing a president to exploit the powers of the office for total personal gain without facing criminal liability would set a dangerous precedent. Sauer, on the other hand, argued that the law should not hinge on the alleged motivation behind an act but rather on the act itself.

The exchange underscored the complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding presidential immunity and the extent to which a president can be shielded from prosecution for actions taken during their tenure. The debate raised important questions about the boundaries of executive power and the accountability of public officials for their actions.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.