American Justice

curated filings from notable cases

The US Capitol Building with ominous clouds behind.

U.S. v. Trump

JAN6

The Parties

Special Counsel Jack Smith on behalf of the State of the United States against Defendant Donald Trump. Six unindicted co-conspirators are mentioned in the indictment.

The Charges

4 felony counts regarding alleged participation in attempts to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election include: conspiracy to defraud the United States under Title 18 of the U.S. Code; obstructing an official proceeding and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and conspiracy against the rights under the Enforcement Act of 1870. This was Trump’s third indictment and the first-ever indictment against a former president for acts committed during his term in office.

The Venue

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before Judge Tanya Chutkan.

Timeline

Jan 6, 2021

Insurrection(?)

Trump supporters, having been summoned by Trump to Washington D.C., attend a rally at which the then-president repeats false claims that the 2020 election had been stolen, falsely implies that Vice President Mike Pence had the power to overturn that outcome, and orders a march to the Capitol in order to “stop the steal.” Members of the crowd proceed to bypass the barriers, assault members of the Capitol Police, trespass into the building, vandalize offices, disrupt the joint session of Congress, and send elected officials fleeing in fear for their lives.

Jan 13, 2021

2nd Impeachment

The Democratic-majority House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump for the second time.

Feb 13, 2021

2nd Acquittal

After keeping the chamber out of session until after the end of Trump’s term in office, the Republican-majority Senate voted to acquit Trump for the second time.

Dec 22, 2022

Jan 6 Committee Report

A House Committee composed of 7 Democrats and 2 Republicans releases its final report on the events before and during January 6, 2021, having interviewed or deposed more than 1,000 witnesses and reviewed over 1 million documents, hundreds of hours of video, and 60 federal and state rulings related to the 2020 election.

Aug 1, 2023

Indictment

Donald Trump is indicted by a federal grand jury on four charges related to his conduct following the 2020 election through the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

Aug 3, 2023

Arraignment

Trump appeared before a magistrate judge to plead not guilty on all charges. The prosecutors confirmed that they would not seek pre-trial detention.

Oct 16, 2023

Gag Order

Judge Chutkan grants a limited gag order prohibiting all parties from making public statements targeting the special counsel or his staff, the defense counsel or their staff, the judge or court personnel, and any potential witness with smears, intimidation, or harassment. Trump’s so-far unsuccessful appeals of the gag order continue into December.

Dec 13, 2024

Interlocutory Appeal

The case is temporarily stayed during consideration of Trump’s appeal on the issue of presidential immunity.

Feb 9, 2024

Jury Selection

The scheduled start of jury selection may be adjusted by circumstances.

Mar 4, 2024

Trial

The scheduled trial date may be adjusted by circumstances.

Digital Memorabilia

Jan6 Committee Report

Indictment