The case against Donald Trump in Georgia for allegedly participating in a criminal conspiracy to interfere with the 2020 election is more important than any individual actor managing the prosecution, and that includes the Fulton County district attorney, Fani Willis, and the case’s lead prosecutor, Nathan Wade. In recent weeks, Ms. Willis and Mr. Wade have found themselves in a spotlight that should belong to the serious charges against Mr. Trump. The two are the focus of a legal motion, and ensuing news reporting about a possible romantic relationship between them has explored whether it amounts to a conflict of interest with regard to the case. I’m a law professor in Georgia who teaches ethics and who has studied the legal consequences that might come if Ms. Willis and Mr. Wade are found to have a conflict, and I believe the judicious and farsighted course would be for Ms. Willis to take a personal leave of absence and turn over control of the district attorney’s office, and the case against Mr. Trump, to a career deputy district attorney. Doing so would be an act of public service by Ms. Willis — and more important, offers the best option for keeping the criminal case on track and holding Mr. Trump and his co-defendants accountable for their actions in the 2020 election if that is the just outcome.

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Persons: Donald Trump, Fani Willis, Nathan Wade, Willis, Mr, Wade, Trump, I’m, Willis — Organizations: Mr Locations: Georgia, Fulton County