Staff Reports
The constitutionality of special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment will be tested in court next week. U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, who postponed Donald Trump’s trial earlier, will hear arguments on June 21 about whether the whole case should be thrown out due to Smith’s appointment being called “unlawful.” Trump’s lawyers claim Smith, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 without Senate confirmation, does not have the authority to bring charges against Trump.
Facing 41 felony counts in his Florida case, Trump was indicted last June for mishandling classified documents. Trump’s lawyers argue that Smith shouldn’t have been appointed without Senate confirmation, as he is not a government official. They point to historical cases to support their argument against Smith’s appointment.
Scrutiny Over Jack Smith’s Potentially ‘Unlawful’ Appointment Could Undermine His Prosecution Of Trump: by Katelynn Richardson at CDN –
The constitutionality of special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment will be put to the test next week during a… https://t.co/qPbq2gXUaI pic.twitter.com/MMk3d46onn
— NahBabyNah 🗳️Trump🗳️ (@NahBabyNah) June 16, 2024
In response, Smith argues that past court rulings support his appointment and emphasize the Attorney General’s authority to appoint a special prosecutor. However, Trump’s legal team and supporters, like former Reagan administration Attorney General Edwin Meese III, believe that Smith’s appointment raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the proceedings.
The upcoming hearing will involve various legal experts presenting arguments both for and against Smith’s appointment. This case has implications beyond just Trump, as it raises questions about the power and authority given to special counsels like Smith, who operate independently of Senate confirmation processes.
Overall, this news story raises important constitutional questions about the limits of executive branch authority and the proper procedures for appointing individuals to key legal positions. It is crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the legal system operates within the boundaries set by the Constitution.
