The Supreme Court’s landmark 6-3 decision granted former presidents extensive immunity from prosecution, significantly delaying Donald Trump’s Washington criminal case.

The ruling, led by the conservative majority including Trump-appointed justices, returned the case to lower courts to assess the remaining charges in Jack Smith’s indictment.

It also underscored the court’s influence on the upcoming election by rejecting efforts to prevent Trump’s candidacy due to his post-2020 election actions.

Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized presidential immunity for official acts while denying it for unofficial actions, sparking a fiery dissent from liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the Associated Press has reported.

Trump hailed the decision as a victory for democracy, while critics like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned it as undermining judicial credibility.

Written by B.C. Begley