"Special Counsel Urges Supreme Court to Settle Trump's Immunity Question"

Special counsel Jack Smith has asked the Supreme Court to immediately decide whether former President Donald Trump has immunity from prosecution for his actions in attempting to overturn the 2020 election. Smith argues that it is crucial for the court to decide the issue promptly so that Trump's trial, scheduled for March, can proceed. The Supreme Court is not obligated to take up the case, but Smith is seeking to bypass the appeals process to expedite a ruling. Trump's lawyers claim that his actions were within the scope of his presidential responsibilities and therefore he is immune from prosecution, but Smith disputes this, stating that the 1982 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity only applies to civil cases and to sitting presidents. Trump was indicted on four charges related to election interference and has pleaded not guilty.