
Special counsel Jack Smith has responded to the Supreme Court with a filing that urges them to allow the federal election interference trial against former President Donald Trump to move forward — and warns against any additional delays.
"Delay in the resolution of these charges threatens to frustrate the public interest in a speedy and fair verdict — a compelling interest in every criminal case and one that has unique national importance here," Smith wrote.
A three-judge panel of the D.C. Court of Appeals ruled earlier this month that Trump does not have immunity from prosecution in this case. The Supreme Court is currently debating whether to review that decision. If they did so, then even if they were ultimately to uphold the lower court ruling, it could increase the risk the trial will be delayed to beyond the November election.
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In the more immediate term, the justices are also debating whether to issue a stay of continuing the trial while they consider whether to hear the case.
Some legal experts have argued that the appellate court's ruling is so airtight the Supreme Court has no significant need to review the decision.
This is one of four criminal cases pending against the former president, including a business fraud case in New York, the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, and the election racketeering case in Georgia.