Bombshell Ruling: Judge Dismisses Trump Classified Docs Case, Challenges Special Counsel Authority
Paul Riverbank, 7/16/2024Judge dismisses Trump classified docs case, challenges special counsel authority
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon's surprising move to throw out the case against former President Donald Trump has sparked a major reaction in legal circles. Her decision hinges on the appointment of special counsels, like Jack Smith, which she deemed unlawful because it bypassed Congress. Cannon argued that only Congress should authorize such appointments and the funds they use, not the executive branch.
The case revolved around accusations that Trump held onto classified documents from his time as president and didn't hand them over as required. This dismissal has stunned legal experts. Peter Carr, speaking for Smith, promptly said they'll appeal, arguing that past courts agreed the Attorney General can appoint special counsels.
Cannon's ruling digs into the Constitution's separation of powers, stressing Congress's role in greenlighting these appointments and expenses. She noted Smith's team has been using funds since late 2022 without the okay from Congress, which violates rules about spending Treasury money.
Some experts doubt Cannon's ruling will hold up on appeal, but others praise it. John Shu, a constitutional expert, called her opinion thorough. The debate over special counsels' legality is hot again, especially since Justice Clarence Thomas has doubts.
This decision doesn't just affect Trump—it could shake up the inquiry into Hunter Biden run by another special counsel, U.S. Attorney David Weiss. If the Supreme Court backs Cannon, it'll shake up how these investigations work.
As the case moves through appeals, possibly reaching the Supreme Court, everyone's watching. This could change how special counsels operate, shaping law for years and sparking debate about who gets power: the president or Congress.
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