Supreme Court put on notice by legal expert that slow-walking Trump cases hurts Americans
Former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance wrote Tuesday that ignorance of the law isn't an excuse to ignore it. In fact, personal opinion isn't either. Still, it's what is being used by Donald Trump as he mounts a political defense for his indictments.
There are four criminal cases left for Trump, which are scheduled to begin this year. Writing for MSNBC, Vance explained that most judges set their own timeline, while laws like the Speedy Trial Act in Georgia automatically set a deadline. And while there are a few examples of the U.S. Supreme Court acting quickly, it's the exception, not the rule.
Vance explained that there are many matters of "great importance" and moving slowly in decision-making "hurts people the courts are supposed to serve."
"In cases of national importance, delay can lead to a broad denial of rights, as it did when the Supreme Court was so slow to rule in the Alabama gerrymandering case that it allowed maps it later held were unconstitutional and discriminatory to be used in the 2022 midterm election," Vance wrote.
While no one expects the courts to move at lightning speed, many cases call for quick and deliberate action.
The top case in her mind is the federal one before Judge Tanya Chutkin, which is on hold while Trump fights for absolute immunity in the appeals court and, presumably, at the Supreme Court. There is also the matter of whether Trump can appear on a ballot given this 14th Amendment, which was decided by the Colorado Supreme Court and the Maine secretary of state.
"Citizens have a right to know the outcome of criminal cases involving a leading candidate," argued Vance. She cited recent polls, which show that Americans who plan to vote for Trump in 2024 say they would change their vote if a jury convicts him of a crime.
Thus, she said, it's time to move everything forward.
The appeals court "and the Supreme Court, in turn, have an obligation to render their decisions quickly," she explained. "Proceedings in the case, which is currently set for trial on March 4, are stayed until the appellate issues are decided. Similarly, the question of Trump’s eligibility to be on the ballot in 2024 requires a timely resolution, with primary dates and earlier deadlines for ballot printing coming up fast."
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