SCOTUS May Limit Scope Of Case Against Trump

The New York Times reports:

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority seemed poised on Thursday to narrow the scope of the criminal case against former President Donald J. Trump on charges that he plotted to subvert the 2020 election. Such a ruling, endorsing at least part of Mr. Trump’s argument that he is immune from prosecution, would most likely send the case back to the trial court to draw distinctions between official and private conduct. Those proceedings could make it hard to conduct the trial before the 2024 election.

Several of the conservative justices seemed disinclined to consider those questions or the details of the accusations against Mr. Trump. Instead, they said the court should issue a ruling that applies to presidential power generally. “We’re writing a rule for the ages,” Justice Neil M. Gorsuch said.

Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh also said the court should think about the larger implications of its decision. “This case has huge implications for the presidency, for the future of the presidency, for the future of the country.” Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said that a ruling for Mr. Trump could enhance democratic values.

The Washington Post reports:

The Supreme Court argument ended after two hours and 40 minutes of questioning, with special counsel attorney Michael Dreeben getting the final word: “I believe that the legal regime and the constitutional regime that we have works, and to alter it poses more risks.”

Trump attorney John Sauer declined to offer a rebuttal, which is unusual and may mean he believes he achieved his goals.

Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh brought up another ruling on presidential power, Morrison v. Olson, calling it “one of the court’s biggest mistakes” and “a terrible decision for the presidency, for the country.” It’s a 1988 opinion upholding a law that allowed for the appointment of independent counsels to investigate the president.