The Georgia Court of Appeal has issued a stay on all proceedings in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis's case against former President Donald Trump and eight codefendants. This decision questions the district attorney's authority to prosecute the case. The court has agreed to review whether Ms. Willis should be disqualified. A hearing has been scheduled for October to hear President Trump's appeal of a Fulton County judge's decision regarding the prosecutor. The defendants have been instructed to submit their brief by June 23, and oral arguments will occur before a panel of three judges.
Ms. Willis has accused the defendants of breaking the state's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act by challenging the 2020 presidential election results. However, the defendants have made serious allegations against the district attorney, including conflict of interest, financial misconduct, and prosecutorial misconduct. Investigations into the district attorney's office were launched following these allegations. In March, a judge determined that disqualification was not required but allowed the defendants to challenge the ruling in a higher court. The appeals court has agreed to review the ruling.
The Georgia Appeals Court decision means that two remaining cases against President Trump will not go to trial this year. Special counsel Jack Smith is prosecuting President Trump for his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, in the District of Columbia, and for mishandling classified documents in the Southern District of Florida. Both cases have been on hold, awaiting decisions from higher courts. The case in the District of Columbia is expected to be returned to the trial court after a decision on President Trump's presidential immunity defense. The case in Florida has faced delays due to motions and discovery issues.
Judge Aileen Cannon, who is presiding over the case in Florida, has postponed the trial date and is currently addressing significant concerns raised by the defense. Rulings on multiple motions to dismiss are expected, which could potentially lead to further delays and appeals.
Ms. Willis has accused the defendants of breaking the state's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act by challenging the 2020 presidential election results. However, the defendants have made serious allegations against the district attorney, including conflict of interest, financial misconduct, and prosecutorial misconduct. Investigations into the district attorney's office were launched following these allegations. In March, a judge determined that disqualification was not required but allowed the defendants to challenge the ruling in a higher court. The appeals court has agreed to review the ruling.
The Georgia Appeals Court decision means that two remaining cases against President Trump will not go to trial this year. Special counsel Jack Smith is prosecuting President Trump for his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, in the District of Columbia, and for mishandling classified documents in the Southern District of Florida. Both cases have been on hold, awaiting decisions from higher courts. The case in the District of Columbia is expected to be returned to the trial court after a decision on President Trump's presidential immunity defense. The case in Florida has faced delays due to motions and discovery issues.
Judge Aileen Cannon, who is presiding over the case in Florida, has postponed the trial date and is currently addressing significant concerns raised by the defense. Rulings on multiple motions to dismiss are expected, which could potentially lead to further delays and appeals.
