Former President Donald Trump has been indicted for the fourth time, this time in relation to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.
The charges have been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that they are excessive and dangerous, while others believe they should be taken seriously.
Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley expressed his concerns about the indictment, stating that it essentially criminalizes challenges to elections.
He argued that the charges lack a limiting principle and that they include actions that are routine in the context of election challenges.
Turley emphasized that seeking judicial review is a way to ensure that elections are properly scrutinized and that the public can have confidence in the process.
He also criticized the prosecutor, Fani Willis, for indicting everyone involved and likened her approach to the "Jackson Pollock school of prosecution," where everything is thrown against the canvas in the hope that something sticks.
Turley suggested that Willis may be hoping that some of the co-defendants will cooperate and provide evidence against Trump.
Despite his criticisms of the indictment, Turley warned that the Trump team should take it seriously. He explained that as a racketeering case, it is difficult to appeal or get dismissed before trial.
Turley also noted that a federal pardon would not be applicable in this case, making it even more important for the Trump team to address the charges.
The charges against Trump and more than a dozen others include violating the Georgia RICO Act, solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer, conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, conspiracy to commit false statements and writings, conspiracy to commit filing false documents, filing false documents, and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.
It is important to note that not all individuals face the same charges.
This latest indictment adds to the three previous indictments that Trump has faced in 2023, making him the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges.
The previous indictments include charges related to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, allegations of improper retention of classified records from his presidency, and falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign.
Despite these legal challenges, Trump remains the front-runner in the 2024 Republican primary race. It is clear that his legal troubles have not significantly impacted his popularity within the party.
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