Why prosecutors want a protective order in the criminal case against Trump

Federal prosecutors have sought a protective order in the criminal case against former President Donald Trump, who is charged with four counts related to alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Defining the Issue: The Justice Department has requested a protective order, which would prohibit Trump and his lawyers from misusing evidence—including sensitive and highly confidential information—prior to trial.
* Trump’s attorneys have until Monday evening to respond to this request.
* The order also aims to protect potential evidence, such as grand jury documents and witness statements.

The Legal Stance: Protective orders are common in criminal cases to shield sensitive information about investigative tactics, witnesses, or national security.
* Professor David Sklansky clarified that a protective order is not meant to prevent Trump from discussing the case.
* Violating a protective order has consequences, potentially including contempt of court.

Prosecutors’ Perspective: The Justice Department argues their proposed order is consistent with others used in similar cases.
* The purpose of the order, they explain, is to protect sensitive and confidential information from public view.
* This includes any information that might be used to threaten witnesses or disrupt the fair administration of justice.

Defense’s Response: Trump’s attorneys criticize the protective order as a curb on freedom of speech.
* They argue that it prevents the public from learning about evidence that could favor Trump.
* Despite their public messages, the defense states that they are open to discussing a suitable protective order.

Addressing Wider Legal Issues: Trump has also asked for a new judge and a change of venue.
* His defense team will request that the case moved out of Washington, D.C.
* Other political figures have weighed in on the indictment, some supporting fairness in the trial, others criticizing Trump’s actions.

View original article on NPR

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