No One is Above the Law, Including DAs and Presidents

Yesterday, the unprecedented indictment of a former president occurred, as former President Donald Trump was indicted by a Manhattan Grand Jury. The reaction was as swift as it was polarized, with many on the left celebrating while those on the right cried foul, claiming it was nothing more than political persecution. 

While the LegalMind Society seeks to remain neutral politically, the impact this has on the public’s view of the justice system and of prosecutors is important to comment on. 

As a starting point, I’d like to think that everyone, regardless of politics, agrees with the basic premise that former presidents are not above the law, that indeed no one is above the law. This is the most basic common ground that could be sought. Unfortunately, the political polarization in this country might prove that no common ground actually exists. 

Yet in order for those within this nation to hold their elected officials accountable, it is essential that we agree that no one is above the law. When people start to think that, it makes it easier to question and undermine career prosecutors. And in order for prosecutors to ensure that ideal is upheld, it is important that any one DA, or even of the Justice Department, be able to make these kinds of decisions and take these types of cases without fear of the harmful and hateful comments and threats being thrown around by the public.

However, that does not mean a prosecutor should get carte blanche or be free from being held equally accountable to the people. IfRepublicanss are right, and the evidence is flimsy at best and fabricated at worst, then they will be right that there should be consequences for the DA in this case. 

And as for Donald Trump? Well, like I said, no one is above the law. As such, he is entitled to a full and zealous criminal defense. He is entitled to his day in court and any potential appeals. He is entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. These steps are an essential first way to improve the accountability and trust in our judicial system while taking pressure off of District Attorneys everywhere that might struggle with the mental health implications of such polarizing reactions. 

Whatever the result of this trial, it seems that there is much more polarization and potential blowback that attorneys might have to navigate. And we will be here to help any attorneys struggling with this aspect of the job.