In a recent development in the case against former President Donald Trump, special counsel Jack Smith has criticized Judge Aileen Cannon for her flawed understanding of the charges. Smith’s team was particularly harsh in their critique of Cannon’s request for jury instructions that would support Trump’s claims of authority to handle classified documents.
Cannon had ordered attorneys to submit briefs on potential jury instructions for the Espionage Act charges against Trump, including scenarios that favor his defense. Prosecutors argue that the Presidential Records Act is not relevant to the charges against Trump, as the alleged conduct took place after his presidency. However, defense attorneys claim that Trump had the authority to designate certain documents as personal under the PRA.
Prosecutors have pointed out that there is no evidence to suggest that Trump designated classified records as personal when he left office. They argue that his claims were only made later, based on advice from a conservative legal organization. Despite this, Cannon has not yet made a ruling on the request to dismiss the case, but it appears that she is considering the relevance of the PRA in the trial.
The arguments between prosecutors and defense attorneys continue to revolve around Trump’s record-keeping habits and his knowledge of the law regarding classified documents. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how Cannon will rule on the matter and what impact it will have on the trial. Stay tuned to The Puck Drop for further updates on this ongoing legal battle.
