Supreme Court judgment - Delay in Trump sentencing likely
After a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States on the immunity of US Presidents, there are indications of a delay in the sentencing announcement against Donald Trump in his New York case. The prosecution wrote in a letter to the presiding judge Juan Merchan that they have no objections to a later date for the announcement of the sentence.
The defense, in turn, requested until July 24 to respond to Trump's petition to vacate the guilty verdict. If Merchan grants this, the sentencing, set for July 11, would be delayed by at least two weeks.
Jurors found Trump guilty in the hush money case
Background is that Trump is challenging the judgment against him following a landmark decision of the Supreme Court on Monday. In the ruling, it is stated that US Presidents enjoy broad protection from prosecution for official actions in office. The move by Trump's attorneys was expected and likely to be futile, as the New York case primarily concerns actions that took place before his presidency.
Jurors in New York had found the former president guilty of 34 charges a few weeks ago in the hush money case. In the trial, it went about illegal hush money payments to a porn star. It was the first time in the history of the United States that a former president was indicted for a criminal offense. Trump could potentially face a multi-year prison sentence in the worst-case scenario.
- The delay in the sentencing announcement against Donald Trump in his New York case is causing controversy, with some arguing that justice is being delayed due to his immunity as a former president.
- The Supreme Court's landmark ruling on the immunity of US Presidents has cast a shadow over the entire process, causing uncertainty and confusion.
- The public prosecutor's office in New York has stated that they are ready to proceed with the sentencing announcement once the court process is completed, despite the delay.
- Despite the delay, #USElection2024 is looming, and the issue of Trump's legal troubles is likely to remain a significant talking point in the campaign.
- Juan Merchan, the presiding judge in the case, will have the final say on whether to grant Trump's petition to vacate the guilty verdict, which could further delay the sentencing.
- Critics argue that the delay in the sentencing announcement is a setback for the rule of law and that all individuals, regardless of their position, should face justice promptly.
- Juan Merchan, a judge known for his integrity, has previously demonstrated a no-nonsense approach to legal proceedings, and this case is no exception.
- Juan Merchan, a US-born judge of Colombian descent, has made headlines in the USA and beyond for his role in this landmark case involving a former president and allegations of criminal wrongdoing.
