Democrats Criticize Judge for Postponing Trump's Florida Trial
Written by Jonathan Turley
Democrats Accuse Judge of Political Compromise
In recent times, there has been a significant amount of outrage from politicians, pundits, and the press over the attacks on judges by former President Donald Trump. However, the tables seem to have turned, with many now criticizing any judge who postpones any of Trump's trials before the election. Democrats have pointed fingers at Judge Aileen Cannon, accusing her of being politically compromised or even conspiratorial due to her decision to delay the Florida trial concerning the mishandling of classified documents. However, there are valid reasons for the postponement, which many of us anticipated in this type of case when it was initially filed.
Concerns Over Rapid Trial Schedule
For several months, many have expressed doubts that this type of trial could be conducted on the rapid schedule proposed by Special Counsel Jake Smith. Smith has consistently tried to limit trial review and even Trump's appellate rights to expedite his schedule. His office has made it a priority to convict Trump before the election, which is a significant departure from past Justice Department efforts to avoid trials that could influence elections.
Classified Material Cases are Notoriously Slow
As a criminal defense counsel, I've handled classified material cases, and they are notoriously slow. Smith could have prosecuted this case in a shorter time frame if he had simply charged obstruction. This would have also eliminated the stark contrast with the handling of the Biden investigation into the current president’s retention and mishandling of classified material.
Disputes Over Relevant Documents Continue
Smith chose to charge a range of document charges related to classified material. The defense must have access, review, and can appeal issues related to the classified procedures. However, Smith wanted both the variety of document charges and a fast track to trial. The Supreme Court has agreed with Cannon that Smith's desire to secure a conviction before the election is not the paramount consideration.
Democrats Denounce Cannon as a Partisan Hack
Leading Democrats have denounced Cannon as a partisan hack. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on federal courts and oversight subcommittee, accused Cannon of “deliberately slow-walking the case.” His colleague Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) insisted that Cannon was “managing this case in a way that is making it highly unlikely that it will be resolved in a timely fashion.”
Justice Delayed is Justice
Despite the statement of his colleague Coons, this is a case where justice delayed is justice. It's the timing as much as the charges that makes this case so important to the Justice Department and the Democrats. Smith has crafted this case to impact the election, and the court's failure to support that effort is apparently grounds for recusal.
Conclusion
This article highlights the complexities of the legal system and the political implications that can arise from it. It's clear that the timing of trials and the charges involved can have a significant impact on public opinion and election outcomes. But what do you think about this situation? Do you believe justice delayed is indeed justice, or do you agree with the Democrats' criticisms? Share this article with your friends and discuss it. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which takes place every day at 6pm.