Judge dismisses classified documents case against Donald Trump

Judge dismisses classified documents case against Donald Trump
Judge dismisses classified documents case against Donald Trump

In a major win for Donald Trump, a Florida judge has dismissed the classified documents case against the former president.

As per BBC, judge Aileen Cannon ruled that the appointment of special prosecutor Jack Smith by the Justice Department violated the US Constitution's Appointments Clause.

Trump had been charged with mishandling classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago resort after leaving office in 2021.

He faced 40 felony counts, including the willful retention of national defense information, and had pleaded not guilty.

Judge Cannon's ruling stated that the prosecution by Special Counsel Smith overstepped constitutional boundaries concerning the role of Congress in appointments and budget authorizations.

She emphasised that her decision applies only to this case and not to the ongoing investigation into Trump's actions surrounding the 2020 election.

While, Attorney General Merrick Garland had appointed Smith in 2022 to handle federal investigations into Trump.

Despite the dismissal, legal experts like former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani believe the ruling might be overturned by higher courts due to its controversial nature.

The ruling comes as Republicans gather in Milwaukee for their National Convention, where Trump is set to accept the party's nomination for president.

Trump has called for an end to what he describes as the "weaponization" of the justice system.

Related
Read more : World

Russia launches largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine amid escalating tensions

Russia launches largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine amid escalating tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemns Russia’s biggest aerial attack during ‘peace’ efforts

Philadelphia union workers strike ends after deal with city council

Philadelphia union workers strike ends after deal with city council
Nearly 10,000 Philadelphia blue-collar employees went on strike over a pay and benefits dispute

New Mexico ‘dangerous’ flash flooding kills 2, sweeps away house

New Mexico ‘dangerous’ flash flooding kills 2, sweeps away house
New Mexico hit with record-breaking rainfall, flash flooding traps dozens in homes, vehicles

South Korea returns 6 North Koreans rescued at sea in ‘humanitarian stance’

South Korea returns 6 North Koreans rescued at sea in ‘humanitarian stance’
Seoul sends six non-defectors to North Korea after their ‘strong desire’ to return home

Guatemala shaken by series of earthquakes, authorities urge evacuations

Guatemala shaken by series of earthquakes, authorities urge evacuations
Guatemala earthquakes trigger landslides, causing injuries and widespread damage

New Mexico hit with flash flood warning as water sweeps away three people

New Mexico hit with flash flood warning as water sweeps away three people
A search operation for a father and two children is underway in Ruidoso after they were swept away in floodwater

AI impersonator uses Marco Rubio Deepfake to target senior officials

AI impersonator uses Marco Rubio Deepfake to target senior officials
Senior officials were tricked by fake voice and text messages on Signal, raising concern for AI in politics

Marseille airport shuts down as wildfire approaches French city

Marseille airport shuts down as wildfire approaches French city
The French authorities have issued warrants for residents to stay indoors amid the horrific wildfire