The political spotlight is now turning towards Judge Jackson as she has been asked to make an important decision regarding President Donald Trump’s right to make political statements during the trial of Jack Smith. In a motion filed today in the Washington, D.C. Superior court, lawyer David Hockley from the law firm of Swalwell & Associates asked the judge to block Trump from making partisan political attacks against Smith during the trial.
The motion explains that President Trump has publicly attacked and ridiculed Smith – a former White House staffer – in recent months. The motion further claims that these attacks are already affecting the likelihood of a fair trial. The motion says that these statements have caused negative media exposure for Smith and his attorneys, which could prejudice the court’s evaluation of his case.
Hockley argues that President Trump’s statements have also damaged Smith’s right to a fair trial as they could affect the jury’s ability to remain impartial and objective during the trial. The motion goes on to say that Trump should not be allowed to use the court to advance his own political agenda.
Hockley’s motion cites two applicable court rules in support of the requested injunction. The first, Rule 58.D, states that “the court shall not engage in partisan politics or permit a case to become a forum for the airing of political views.” The motion further explains that Rule 65.D authorizes the court to ” enlist the aid of the public press in the performance of its duties” to “furnish information and advice to the public” and “restrain others from intermeddling with the matters in controversy”.
In the motion, Hockley argues that the court should use its authority to prevent Trump from making statements that could interfere with the fairness of Smith’s trial. He also requests that the judge hold Trump accountable if he violates the injunction.
Hockley’s motion is the latest development in the ongoing legal saga between President Trump and Smith. The outcome of this motion could have far-reaching implications for the ability of public figures like Trump to make partisan political comments during active court cases. We’ll have to wait and see how Judge Jackson rules but regardless of her decision, it promises to be a historic moment in politics.