To Delay the Future, Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

The United States is currently amid a legal dispute over whether a sitting president should enjoy criminal immunity or prosecution after their tenure in office. Although neither civil nor criminal immunity is granted to them in the Constitution or any federal statute, a sitting president has historically enjoyed absolute immunity from many lawsuits while in office.

Whether a sitting president should have immunity from prosecution for conduct before taking office is also a matter of public opinion. However, none of the former presidents faced criminal investigation or prosecution while in office. Only former President Trump has been charged with crimes that occurred before, during, and after his tenure, making him the only president in US history to face criminal charges after leaving office.

In February 2024, Trump claimed absolute immunity from being investigated for crimes committed in office. However, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear his oral arguments on April 25th in response to his request.

It is crucial to ensure that justice is served and that no individual, regardless of their status, is above the law. Therefore, it is important that the legal dispute over presidential immunity be resolved once and for all. This will not only set a precedent for future presidents but also restore the public’s faith in the justice system. Justice delayed is justice denied, and we must act now to ensure that justice is served for all.

Historically, The Constitution of the United States grants legislative immunity to members of Congress through the Speech or Debate Clause but does not explicitly grant comparable immunity to the president. Early American politicians, including those at the Constitutional Convention, were divided as to whether such immunity should exist.