U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith has made a renewed push to bring back criminal charges against Donald Trump, asking the federal appeals court to revive the case that accuses the former president of mishandling classified documents. This move follows a July decision by U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed the indictment, ruling that Smith was unlawfully appointed and lacked the legal authority to pursue the case.
In a detailed brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, Smith’s team argued that the Attorney General has been granted broad authority by Congress to appoint special counsels like Smith, emphasizing that the lower court’s ruling contradicts decades of established legal precedent. They urged the appellate court to overturn the July ruling and requested that oral arguments be scheduled.
Judge Cannon’s decision has sparked significant debate, particularly as it challenges the long-standing practices within the Department of Justice. Trump’s legal team, however, remains firm in their stance, calling for the dismissal of all cases against the former president, branding them as politically motivated attacks orchestrated by the Justice Department.
This legal battle is part of a broader narrative surrounding Trump’s legal challenges. Earlier, the Supreme Court granted him broad immunity from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency, causing delays in other criminal cases, including charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Trump, now a 2024 presidential candidate, continues to face scrutiny as the Justice Department, under Special Counsel Smith, remains resolute in pursuing these charges, despite the ongoing legal hurdles.
