At its best, our criminal justice system should draw no distinction when charges are brought against an ordinary citizen or a former president of the United States. In this way, equal justice benefits all Americans. Our justice system was built to — and will — withstand this test as former President Donald Trump faces an indictment in a New York state court. It will equally endure for other ongoing investigations into his conduct, such as those in the state of Georgia and one at the federal level.
Prior to being indicted, Trump tried his best to take a wrecking ball to our rule of law.
Prior to being indicted, Trump tried his best to take a wrecking ball to our rule of law. He warned of “death and destruction” from his supporters following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s indictment, posted (since deleted) images of himself implying a threat of violence against Bragg, and relentlessly attacked the judge assigned to his case.
Knowing Trump, it will get worse.
We know from his acts even stemming before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that he will exploit his supporters to carry out violence in his name. It will be tempting to go tit-for-tat with him in the public realm. After all, that’s exactly what he wants — a public spectacle. We must resist granting him one.
That is why, for our system to survive this historic test, and for it to come out stronger, we must afford Trump the equal protection under the Constitution and all due process rights ensured under law, the same rights he has often tried to deprive his own political enemies and those whom he has recklessly accused of crimes. Trump is now a criminal defendant, and he should be treated no better, or worse, than any other criminal defendant in our system.
This indictment, as well as possible charges in other jurisdictions, should not be celebrated nor should they become a cause for distraction. Let us instead celebrate the rule of law…
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