The trial concerning Donald Trump‘s documents in Florida has hit another snag as Judge Aileen Cannon’s recent filing raises significant concerns.
In her filing on Monday night, Cannon proposed allowing the jury to determine whether top-secret national security documents, including nuclear secrets, can be considered Trump’s personal property.
Legal experts, including former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance, have criticized this suggestion, labeling it as “perplexing” and “crazy.”
The order refers to the Presidential Records Act (P.R.A.), suggesting that the jury should assess whether the documents retained by a former president are personal or presidential. Vance highlights that this interpretation contradicts established legal precedent and the purpose of the P.R.A.
Vance expresses bewilderment at the judge’s stance, particularly considering the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals’ previous ruling against using seized items in the investigation.
She suggests that Cannon’s filing indicates a potential inclination to rule in Trump’s favor, despite the flawed nature of his argument regarding document ownership under the P.R.A.
This move sets up legal scenarios that could mislead the jury into believing that Trump has the authority to designate classified national secrets as his personal property, a notion refuted by existing laws.
Furthermore, Vance critiques Cannon’s attempt to shift the responsibility of interpreting the law onto the jury, which deviates from standard legal procedures. This development places the government in a challenging position, with Vance anticipating a robust response from the Justice Department.
