Special counsel Jack Smith announced on Wednesday that he is appealing a judge's decision to throw out the indictment against former President Donald Trump related to his handling of classified documents. The appeal was filed just two days after US District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the prosecution, prompting Smith's team to take immediate action by filing a notice of appeal.
The appeal process has now set in motion, with the case set to be reviewed by judges from the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals based in Atlanta. Despite the conservative-leaning nature of the appellate court, past rulings have shown a willingness to defy ideological expectations.
Notably, a three-judge panel previously overturned a decision by Judge Cannon during the Trump documents investigation, highlighting the court's impartiality. In a separate case involving former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, the appeals court unanimously rejected his attempt to move his Georgia election subversion case to federal court.
Judge Cannon's ruling on Monday cited the unconstitutionality of Smith's appointment as special counsel as the basis for dismissing the case against Trump. The appeal process will now determine the future of the indictment and whether the case will proceed to trial.
