Particular counsel Jack Smith requested a decide Thursday for extra time to contemplate how Donald Trump’s election interference case ought to transfer ahead following the Supreme Court docket ruling granting him broad safety from prosecution.
Smith’s workplace filed a short movement asking for a three-week extension within the case, which facilities on fees Trump conspired to overturn the 2020 election he misplaced to Joe Biden. That indictment has been sophisticated after the court docket’s determination — 6-3, alongside ideological traces — that granted Trump “absolute immunity” for any presidential actions that have been “official” in nature.
The Supreme Court docket returned the case to U.S. District Choose Tanya Chutkan earlier this month, which can permit her to determine what allegations within the indictment can be protected habits and proof against prosecution, and which might be prosecuted. The decide shortly advised each Smith and Trump’s crew to return to court docket on Aug. 16 to maneuver the proceedings ahead, and either side had till Friday to agree how to take action.
However Smith’s crew, with assist from Trump’s attorneys, mentioned it wanted extra time to take action.
“The federal government continues to evaluate the brand new precedent set forth final month,” Smith’s workplace wrote within the submitting. “The federal government has not finalized its place on essentially the most acceptable schedule for the events to temporary points associated to the choice.”
The particular counsel requested till Aug. 30 to submit one other joint standing report.
The movement is additional proof that the indictment will face difficulties that can possible see any prosecution pushed past the November election. It additionally throws some water on hopes that Trump might face an evidentiary listening to that may function a kind of mini-trial earlier than then.