Yale Law Professor Jed Rubenfeld recently launched a podcast called Straight Down the Middle. The podcast delves into legal options for former President Donald Trump’s defence team after a New York jury found him guilty on 34 counts of falsified business records.
Rubenfeld emphasizes the lengthy appeals process through the New York Appeals Court system, which could take years and potentially impact the 2024 presidential election.
Rubenfeld pointed out the significance of the conviction’s potential effect on voters and the irreparable harm it could cause if overturned after the election. Considering the gravity of the situation, Rubenfeld proposed an alternative strategy for Trump’s legal team: filing a federal lawsuit seeking an emergency restraining order to halt the judgment of guilt. This would allow federal courts to review constitutional arguments before any irreversible consequences occur.
Rubenfeld expressed concerns about the case’s political implications and the clarity of the charges against Trump.
He emphasized the importance of federal court intervention to assess the prosecution’s constitutionality, particularly given the timing and potential impact on the upcoming election.
With Trump’s sentencing scheduled for July 11, Rubenfeld urged swift action to prevent irreversible harm and ensure a fair legal process. He underscored the potential for federal courts, including the Supreme Court, to provide clarity before the election, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional principles.
Trump’s conviction on all 34 counts related to falsifying business records, particularly concerning hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, could have significant repercussions.
As Trump faces sentencing and the possibility of imprisonment, the legal and political ramifications loom large, especially with the Republican National Convention on the horizon.
