Not above the law

The most interesting news today were the rulings from the Supreme Court. Mr Trump got told that he is not above the law.

In the case involving the State Attorney of New York, Cy Vance is now free to seek the tax and financial records he needs to pursue his case. Further, the President is not immune from the Grand Jury process.

The second case, involving Congress, was referred back to the lower courts to be negotiated and settled. So Trump must deal with Congress rather than just stonewalling.

I would rather that the Court would have affirmed the black letter law which gives Congress the right to see those taxes. But at least the Court did recognize the right of Congressional oversight even though the legislative and executive branches must now negotiate over contested supeanas(sp).

Not a completely unqualified win, perhaps. But overall a good day.

Don

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n7axw wrote:The most interesting news today were the rulings from the Supreme Court. Mr Trump got told that he is not above the law.

In the case involving the State Attorney of New York, Cy Vance is now free to seek the tax and financial records he needs to pursue his case. Further, the President is not immune from the Grand Jury process.

The second case, involving Congress, was referred back to the lower courts to be negotiated and settled. So Trump must deal with Congress rather than just stonewalling.

I would rather that the Court would have affirmed the black letter law which gives Congress the right to see those taxes. But at least the Court did recognize the right of Congressional oversight even though the legislative and executive branches must now negotiate over contested supeanas(sp).

Not a completely unqualified win, perhaps. But overall a good day.

Don

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It is, however, further showing that the President can neuter Congressional oversight via the courts (As we saw during the impeachment hearings) by dragging things out even if he's in the wrong. It's now being sent back for new arguments, and even if the case ends with Trump being required to show the returns it will then presumably be appealed - I don't see this issue being resolved before the election, at which point his lawyers will presumably argue that there's no justification anymore for making the returns public.

Eyal wrote:

n7axw wrote:The most interesting news today were the rulings from the Supreme Court. Mr Trump got told that he is not above the law.

In the case involving the State Attorney of New York, Cy Vance is now free to seek the tax and financial records he needs to pursue his case. Further, the President is not immune from the Grand Jury process.

The second case, involving Congress, was referred back to the lower courts to be negotiated and settled. So Trump must deal with Congress rather than just stonewalling.

I would rather that the Court would have affirmed the black letter law which gives Congress the right to see those taxes. But at least the Court did recognize the right of Congressional oversight even though the legislative and executive branches must now negotiate over contested supeanas(sp).

Not a completely unqualified win, perhaps. But overall a good day.

Don

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It is, however, further showing that the President can neuter Congressional oversight via the courts (As we saw during the impeachment hearings) by dragging things out even if he's in the wrong. It's now being sent back for new arguments, and even if the case ends with Trump being required to show the returns it will then presumably be appealed - I don't see this issue being resolved before the election, at which point his lawyers will presumably argue that there's no justification anymore for making the returns public.

No. It won't be resolved before the election which is unfortunate. But two things. First, there is already enough stuff out in the open for the voters to render their decision on Trump. Anyone still willing to vote for Trump after everything that's happened won't change their mind if the taxes are disclosed.

Secondly, and more importantly, precedent has now been established that a President is subject to the same processes of law as any ordinary citizen. That will make it easier for Congress and the courts to deal with malfeasance of future presidents. That was the win. We are still a democracy under the rule of law. Hopefully Trump and his cronies will soon be gone. Also hopefully, they will face legal jeopardy after a law abiding administration is restored.

Don

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