“She Deliberately Did This”: Is Trump-Appointed Judge Cannon Trying To Delay the Trial?

Gabriel RomanDec 2, 2023

Minute Read

A high-profile legal case, poised for trial in May, has captured public attention due to its complex pretrial proceedings. The case, scheduled by a judge appointed by former President Trump, involves sensitive classified evidence. It has led to many diverse opinions regarding its handling and potential implications.

Scheduled Trial and Possible Delays

During Trump’s presidency, a judge set the trial date for May 2024. However, this trial is on the brink of delay. The pretrial process’s sluggish pace is causing alarm, with doubts emerging about whether the trial will adhere to its scheduled timeline. This delay could have significant consequences for the legal proceedings and public perception.

Potential Post-Election Impact

There is mounting speculation that the trial could be postponed until after the November 2024 election. Such a delay could have substantial political implications. If it is delayed, this could potentially allow Trump to halt the case should he win the election. This would alter the legal landscape significantly.

Classified Evidence and Judicial Concerns

The involvement of classified evidence in this high-stakes case adds a layer of complexity. In light of this sensitive information, the judge’s management of the schedule has sparked apprehensions regarding possible delays. Some fear the risk of external influence affecting the integrity of the judicial process.

Perspectives on Delay Tactics

A former CIA attorney, Brian Greer, voiced apprehensions regarding the trial’s scheduling. He said, “It could be seen as a stealth attempt to delay the trial without officially announcing it.” This comment underscores the challenges in adhering to the planned timeline amidst growing concerns about potential stall tactics.

Defense Strategies and Press Objections

David Aaron, a past DOJ national security prosecutor, highlighted the dual objections from the press and defense. He noted that these challenges could inadvertently facilitate defense strategies. If this occurs, these strategies have the potential to further complicate the trial’s proceedings.

Addressing ‘Graymail’ Issues

The trial is set to confront the ‘graymail’ issue, a legal tactic where the defense uses classified information. This will be navigated through the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA), which was established to balance national security concerns with legal rights. However, CIPA’s implementation is notoriously time-consuming, which former DOJ national security prosecutor David Aaron describes as providing “an opportunity for mischief by the defense as part of the graymail problem that CIPA is supposed to thwart.”

Judge’s Deliberative Approach

A former CIA attorney, Brian Greer, commented on the judge’s cautious strategy, stating, “She’s certainly taken her time to litigate things.” This reflects a deeply considered approach to the case, suggesting that every aspect is being examined carefully. While commendable for its diligence, such thoroughness could extend the trial’s timeline.

A Methodical Court Process

Brandon Van Grack, a former national security prosecutor, observed the court’s careful progression, noting, “The signals are of a court that is proceeding slowly and methodically through the process.” This methodical pace, aimed at ensuring accuracy and fairness, might be causing some concern regarding the trial’s schedule.

Tighter Deadlines for a May Trial

In addressing the timeline, Van Grack pointed out the necessity of stricter deadlines to meet the May trial date. This would require all parties involved to work under increased pressure, potentially speeding up pretrial activities. However, this approach might intensify stress and strain relationships among the involved parties.

DOJ’s Efforts to Expedite

Image Credit: CHRISTOPHER E ZIMMER/Shutterstock.

The Department of Justice, under the guidance of officials like Van Grack, is pushing to move the trial preparations forward quickly. Their urgency to adhere to the original schedule reflects the case’s high stakes and public interest. However, this push for speed must be balanced against needing a thorough and fair judicial process, creating a dynamic challenge.

Court’s Hesitancy to Rush

The court’s reluctance to accelerate the trial, despite the DOJ’s efforts, speaks to the complexity and sensitivity of the case. This cautious approach may stem from the need to handle the classified information and legal intricacies involved carefully. They must ensure that the trial’s integrity is not compromised by haste.

Uncertainty for Other Court Schedules

Greer stated, “Another judge could schedule something for May but may not want to.” This reflects the ripple effect of this trial’s scheduling on the broader judicial calendar. The trial’s timeline uncertainty creates potential scheduling conflicts and logistical challenges. This could impact Trump’s case, along with other proceedings in the judicial system.

Speculations of Intentional Delays

Greer’s observation about potential deliberate delays, “If you’re a cynic—and I’m not—you might say she deliberately did this,” captures a sentiment shared by some observers. This skepticism about the trial’s slow pace suggests that there may be strategic reasons behind the scheduling. This has fueled debate and speculation about the motivations driving the trial’s timeline.

Intense Political Divisions Erupt

One user shared their thoughts on the situation, saying, “Republicans are not Americans. They are mere filth crawling on our grounds. Republicans are a cancerous growth that we must cut from the American body politic.” This extreme view underscores the deep political divisions and the intense emotions surrounding the case.

Demands for Judicial Accountability

Public opinion is calling for stricter oversight of the judicial process. One user said, “Time for the DOJ to demand she do her job correctly or she gets censured from the case.” This idea is echoed by those who believe that the judge’s alleged procrastination might warrant disciplinary action, highlighting a growing impatience with the perceived delays in the legal system.

Legal Strategy and Indictment Limitations

Legal experts discuss the technicalities of indicting a sitting president. An individual said, “A President might not be prosecuted while in office, but they can remain indicted. Federal Indictments have a statute of Limitations set for FIVE years.” This perspective suggests strategic legal maneuvers that could significantly impact the case’s trajectory.

Debates Over Judge’s Allegiances

Among the heated discussions, one user defended the judge. “There is really no evidence that she is a pro-Trump judge just because he appointed her.” This counters claims of bias and highlights the complexity of judicial decision-making, where rulings often upset one side or the other. It also shows judges’ challenges in maintaining impartiality in politically charged cases.

Public Perception and Legal Tactics

The discourse also includes opinions suggesting a biased legal system. One user said, “Lawyers for the Mango Mussolini just filed an appeal to Judge Chutkin arguing that the false statements (lies) that Trump used is protected free speech under the 1st amendment.” This sarcastic remark points to the controversial nature of the presented legal arguments.