Special counsel Jack Smith responded on Thursday after Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to reject a petition to decide if he has presidential immunity from prosecution.
In a filing, Smith explained why he was taking the unusual step of asking to bypass the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
"The public interest in a prompt resolution of this case favors an immediate, definitive decision by this Court," Smith wrote. "The charges here are of the utmost gravity. This case involves — for the first time in our Nation's history — criminal charges against a former President based on his actions while in office."
"And not just any actions: alleged acts to perpetuate himself in power by frustrating the constitutionally prescribed process for certifying the lawful winner of an election," he added.
Smith insisted, "The Nation has a compelling interest in a decision on respondent's claim of immunity from these charges—and if they are to be tried, a resolution by conviction or acquittal, without undue delay."
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Attorneys for Trump have argued that there was no "rush" to bypass the appeals court.
"The Special Counsel urges this Court to bypass those ordinary procedures, including the longstanding preference for prior consideration by at least one court of appeals, and rush to decide the issues with reckless abandon," Trump's filing said.
D.C. federal district court Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled earlier this month that Trump does not have immunity from election subversion charges. After Trump appealed, Chutkan put the trial on hold.
