The Department of Justice (DOJ) has denied requests to delay trials for January 6 defendants, despite Special Counsel Jack Smith’s temporary pause in the Trump case. The DOJ asserts that each case is unique, and the Trump case pause does not justify delays in other prosecutions.
1. DOJ Opposes Delay Requests from January 6 Defendants
The DOJ is pushing back against several January 6 defendants who are seeking delays in their trials, arguing that Special Counsel Jack Smith’s pause in prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump should not apply to other cases. These defendants claim that Smith’s delay in the Trump case serves as grounds for postponing their own trials.
2. DOJ Cites Public Interest in Efficient Justice
In a response filed Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Isia Jasiewicz argued for the “prompt and efficient administration of justice,” emphasizing that the DOJ is committed to timely prosecutions. She contended that Smith’s pause in the Trump case, due to unique circumstances, does not affect the timeline of other January 6 cases.
3. Defense Lawyers Reference Trump’s Potential Pardon Promise
Defense attorneys argue that their clients should receive trial delays due to Trump’s broad promise to pardon those convicted of involvement in the January 6 riot if he becomes president. Attorney William Shipley, representing defendant Stephen Baker, claimed that delays are necessary to ensure justice and prevent convictions motivated solely by expediency.
4. DOJ Asserts Trump’s Case Is an Exception
The DOJ clarified that the Trump case involves “unprecedented circumstances” since Trump is likely to be certified as president-elect in January 2025. The unique nature of his prosecution and the DOJ’s policy on handling cases involving a sitting president are reasons for the pause, according to Jasiewicz, and do not apply to private citizens like the January 6 defendants.
5. Ongoing Push for Timely Resolutions in January 6 Cases
The DOJ continues to stress its commitment to handling the January 6 cases efficiently. With several defendants hoping for a potential Trump pardon, the DOJ’s stance underscores its intent to maintain judicial processes without delay, despite these defense strategies.
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