The court’s answer to the question of whether Mr. Trump is absolutely immune from prosecution on those charges will be a major statement on the scope of presidential power.
Most legal experts do not expect Mr. Trump to prevail on his broadest arguments.
If Mr. Trump prevails in the election, he could order the Justice Department to drop the charges.
Mr. Trump faces a count of conspiring to defraud the government, another of conspiring to disenfranchise voters and two counts related to corruptly obstructing a congressional proceeding.
Whatever happens after Thursday’s argument, the 2024 election will take place in the shadow of the criminal justice system.
Persons:
Donald J, Trump, Trump’s, Jack Smith, Mike Pence
Organizations:
Mr, Justice Department
Locations:
Manhattan