During a recent hearing at the courthouse, the judge has determined that it is premature to set a trial date due to numerous outstanding issues. The session was more contentious than anticipated, with Judge Tanya Chutkan challenging arguments presented by defense attorneys representing a former President. The primary focus of the hearing was on the issue of immunity, with all parties in agreement that this matter needs to be addressed first.
The judge will be applying a Supreme Court ruling from July to evaluate the immunity question in the context of the case. While there is consensus on addressing this issue promptly, there are several other unresolved matters, including the implications of the Supreme Court's decision on obstruction of justice related to January 6th.
One key point of contention was the setting of a trial date. Although initially raised during the hearing, Judge Chutkan ultimately deemed it futile to establish a trial date at this stage. Both sides acknowledged the need to navigate through the appellate process before scheduling any trial proceedings.
Following the adjournment of the session, the next steps involve awaiting the judge's scheduling decisions. Judge Chutkan will need to review the proceedings and determine the course of action, with a primary focus on addressing the immunity issue. Additionally, there are unresolved questions regarding the legitimacy of the special counsel and the scope of discovery in the case.
While the defense sought to delay substantive hearings until after the November election, it appears that the proceedings will continue as planned. Judge Chutkan's approach indicates a reluctance to fully accommodate the defense's requests, suggesting a thorough and deliberate consideration of the case moving forward.
