Donald J. Trump seeks to dismiss Manhattan criminal case based on his interpretation of presidential power, leading to a pause in the proceedings and sentencing.
President-elect Donald J. Trump is currently seeking to overturn his criminal conviction in New York after winning the presidential election. The court records, which were unsealed, reveal that Mr. Trump’s legal team is working to clear his record of 34 felonies related to a sex scandal that he was convicted of in May.
Following his electoral victory, Mr. Trump’s lawyers have taken steps to dismiss the case against him. The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which prosecuted Mr. Trump, has requested a pause in the proceedings until November 19 to consider how to proceed. The judge overseeing the case, Justice Juan M. Merchan, has granted the request, putting a hold on any further developments for the next week.
Justice Merchan was expected to make decisions on key issues, such as Mr. Trump’s sentence, but those decisions are now postponed. A ruling that was supposed to be issued on Tuesday regarding a previous attempt to dismiss the case is also delayed indefinitely.
In a communication to the judge, a Manhattan prosecutor acknowledged the “unprecedented circumstances” surrounding the case and the need to balance the jury’s verdict with “the office of the president.” In response, one of Mr. Trump’s lawyers argued that the stay and dismissal of the case are necessary to prevent any unconstitutional obstacles to President Trump’s ability to govern.
Source: The NY Times
