Trump’s Legal Team Challenges Restrictive Rules on Evidence in 2020 Election Case
Former President Donald Trump’s attorneys have filed court documents arguing against the stringent rules regarding evidence in the 2020 election case. They assert that these rules infringe upon Trump’s First Amendment rights. The government’s request to restrict all documents, regardless of sensitivity, contradicts established law, according to Trump’s legal team.
In their filing, Trump’s lawyers propose a narrower order that shields only “genuinely sensitive materials” from public view. They argue that this approach is consistent with other protective orders issued by the court in relation to the events of January 6, 2021. Their aim is to strike a balance between safeguarding sensitive information and expediting the discovery process.
Special Counsel Jack Smith responded to this request, stating that the government’s proposed order is reasonable and standard. In contrast, Trump’s proposed order is deemed unreasonable and appears to be more geared towards litigating the case in the media rather than in the courtroom.
Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered a hearing on the Department of Justice’s Motion for Protective Order. Both parties have been instructed to schedule two dates and times before Friday that are mutually convenient for the hearing. Notably, Trump will not be required to attend the hearing.
Trump is currently facing charges related to the Special Counsel’s investigation into 2020 election interference and the January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot. These charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
