The Supreme Court made a historic ruling on Monday, July 1, 2024, that former President Donald Trump is immune from prosecution for his “official acts” in office.
What is presidential immunity?
Broadly, it refers to the legal theory that past and current presidents have some protection from legal accountability. In the context of Monday’s Supreme Court decision, it is the ruling that Trump and others are absolutely immune to prosecution for actions taken while exercising their “core constitutional powers”. They are entitled to the presumption of immunity for their official acts. It does not provide a shield for private or unofficial acts.
Why am I heartbroken by this decision?
Because we are all aware of Trump’s behavior and what he is capable of. This is decision now gives him a “get-out-of-jail-free” card for any criminal actions he does while he is in office if elected again. He will not be not held accountable for his actions. This is now in place for future presidents going forward.
What I find most disheartening about this is that the fact that I thought this court was the highest in the United States. It is supposed to decide important rulings on unconstitutional and controversial rulings on issues that are very important to our society and how things are supposed to run the supreme court. It was once considered the highest respectable court in the United States. However, with this decision and the decision of Roe vs. Wade among others this court it has become a joke. Unfortunately, when it shouldn’t be viewed that way, it is and will continue to be so. This decision makes America feel as if the court doesn’t take these important issues seriously, and I don’t blame them. I feel the same way.
We as a society should be able to have faith in our justice system and not be let down by it and its actions.
What happens now?
So, where do we go from here with our latest disappointment in our justice system? Do we say we’re doomed and complain about this? Yes, we can for a bit. In fact, s we should because we are all angry, and rightfully so. But we have to use that to create profound change regarding the court and accountability to those in power. If we don’t become even more active and ask the tough questions, we will never see the change we and future generations deserve in a justice system.
I know we are all tired and feel hopeless about this recent court judgment. But that is not going to help anyone or any current decisions that are already made and set in stone. We can ask more of the court and call them out when we deem it necessary because if we don’t, things will not change for anyone.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said it best when she said, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”
We need to keep that in mind when it comes to our justice system.
Featured image via Brandon Mowinkel on Unsplash
