test Trump’s Prosecution Debate - Munk Debates

Trump’s Prosecution Debate

April 17, 2023
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Trump’s Prosecution Debate

Be it resolved, Trump’s prosecution is bad for American democracy.

The indictment of Donald Trump is an historic event. The 45th president of the United States now holds the unique distinction of being the first president to face criminal prosecution in the country’s history. Some legal experts believe that prosecuting Trump sets a dangerous precedent that will open an era of politically motivated prosecutions undermining democracy and the rule of law. Future presidents will be more likely to stay in office – through undemocratic means – in order to avoid trial. Furthermore, bringing this particular case against Trump, one which has nothing to do with his time in office, will undermine and delegitimize more important prosecutions that he could face in the future. And doing so will almost certainly galvanize his supporters and all but secure his nomination as the GOP presidential candidate in the 2024 election. Other experts argue that the opposite is true. Not holding Trump accountable to the rule of law would undermine democracy and send a message to the public that elected officials are not subject to the same justice system as ordinary citizens. Prosecuting Trump shows a commitment to basic legal principles and strengthens American democracy.

“Our democracy is hurt by this indictment by the idea that we can simply wield our criminal justice system to get bad people…that way lies tyranny, that way undermines the rule of law, and is a dangerous precedent”

-SARAH ISGUR

“Trump’s prosecution is the right thing to do for rule of law and accountability. If anyone else committed these crimes I believe they would be prosecuted”

-NORMAN EISEN

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