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Thursday, Jul. 04, 2024

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Happy Fourth of July to everyone but these Supreme Court justices

By John O. Brennan

Monday's 6-3 Supreme Court decision granting lifetime criminal immunity to presidents for official acts while in office is breathtaking in its dangerous implications for our nation's future. By rewriting the rule that has governed presidential authority for the past 235 years — that no one, not even a president, is above the law — the court has given a green light to any future president inclined to wield his or her executive authority irrespective of the laws that apply to all other citizens and residents of the U.S. King George III would be pleased.

I have no idea what motivated the majority to endorse such a sweeping display of judicial activism. It is no secret that some of these justices have strongly conservative ideological leanings. Some also have been less than discreet in broadcasting their political views.

But regardless of motivation, what appalls and worries me most are the abject ignorance and apparent indifference of the six. Their ruling will have deeply disturbing practical consequences if an unprincipled and politically corrupt individual is ever elected president of the United States in the future.

This is a preview of John O. Brennan's latest article. Read the full column here.

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MORE FROM MSNBC

In a new episode of "Prosecuting Donald Trump," MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord review the latest fallout from the Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. They're also joined by Ryan Goodman of "Just Security" to discuss another significant ruling from the High Court, on the Fischer obstruction case. Despite the ruling, the impact the decision will have on those charged for the January 6th insurrection will be limited. Listen now.

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