14th amendment

After the settlement in Wisconsin over the fraudulent electors scheme, veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord analyze the importance of what came to light as a result of the litigation against James Troupis, Kenneth Chesebro and 10 ‘alternate’ electors. Mary was part of the team arguing the case and gives expansive context to the ongoing efforts to overturn the 2020 election. They then turn to the Supreme Court’s decision on the Colorado ballot issue, and why, despite a unanimous vote, there may be dissension in the ranks. And they wrap up with a look at the timing of the Florida documents case and Trump’s former CFO Allen Weisselberg’s guilty plea on federal perjury charges.

The nation continues to watch for a decision from the Supreme Court on both the Colorado ballot issue and Trump’s presidential immunity claim. In the meantime, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail the flurry of motions filed by Trump’s lawyers in the Florida classified documents case in an effort to have the case thrown out. This, as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg filed his own motions, including asking for a partial gag to keep the former president from talking about witnesses, potential jurors and court staff. Plus: Andrew and Mary catch up on dual decisions from Judge Engoron and Judge Kaplan denying Trump a stay of judgement in his civil trials, meaning he’s got 30 days to pay, or the plaintiffs can start seizing assets.

Court watchers are closely monitoring two decisions from the Supreme Court: a ruling on Trump’s motion to stay the decision on immunity from the DC Circuit and whether the former president is disqualified from appearing on Colorado primary ballot. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail what to watch for there, and review Judge Engoron’s nearly $450 million decision in the civil fraud case. Plus: takeaways from the testimony of Fani Willis and Nathan Wade late last week. 

In a last-ditch effort for total immunity, former President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to pause proceedings in the DC election subversion case while the high court decides whether to take up his appeal. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord discuss the merits of Trump’s arguments and how the court may proceed. They also weigh in on the latest out of Judge Cannon’s Florida courtroom, as a flurry of activity is happening in the classified documents case.

Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord gather for an additional episode this week to share their insights and takeaways from Thursday’s oral arguments before the Supreme Court. At issue: whether former President Trump can be barred from Colorado’s Republican primary ballot due to the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause. Then, a review of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on the classified documents found in President Biden’s possession, and why, despite no charges filed against him, the report may be damaging.

The Supreme Court heard arguments today in the unprecedented case that could threaten former President Donald Trump’s eligibility to appear on the primary ballot in Colorado. Listen to the full hearing here. 

On Tuesday, the US Appeals Court for the DC Circuit unanimously ruled that former President Trump is not immune from prosecution as it relates to his actions after the 2020 election. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail what the decision means and what happens next. This, as we await Thursday's oral arguments before the Supreme Court to decide if Trump can be kept off Colorado’s primary ballot due to the 14th amendment’s insurrection clause. Also on tap: movement in the Florida classified documents case, Fani Willis and Nathan Wade respond in Georgia and Allen Weisselberg considers a plea deal.

The clock is ticking as the country awaits some significant legal decisions in the coming days and weeks: when will Special Counsel Hur release his long-awaited report on President Biden’s handling of classified documents? How will Judge Engoron rule in the New York civil fraud case? And what will the DC Circuit decide when it comes to presidential immunity? MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord review these questions and what to glean from the E. Jean Carroll verdict and the damages awarded. Plus: a veteran federal judge issues a sharp rebuke of those who are trying to re-write the history of the January 6th attacks.

Note: this episode contains a graphic description of sexual assault.

The second defamation trial brought by writer E. Jean Carroll began last week and brought with it outbursts inside and outside the courtroom from the former president. MSNBC legal analyst Andrew Weissmann was in the courtroom last Thursday. He and co-host, veteran prosecutor Mary McCord, break down this case and what they’re watching for as they await a decision on the presidential immunity claim from the DC Circuit. Also on deck: Andrew and Mary’s take on Trump’s rhetoric that President Truman needed total immunity from prosecution to use the A-bomb, and so does he.

The second defamation trial brought by writer E. Jean Carroll began today just hours after Trump won big in the Iowa Caucuses. All this happening days after Trump lashed out at the judge during closing arguments in the New York civil fraud case. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the latest developments and what they’re watching for as they await a decision on the presidential immunity claim from the DC Circuit.

Today, the DC Circuit heard oral arguments from Trump’s lawyers and Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team over a crucial question: does presidential immunity protect Trump from prosecution for anything he did or actions he took while in office? Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord review the arguments and the pushback from the three-judge panel. Plus, a look at the Supreme Court deciding to hear the Colorado ballot issue, and what else is on Andrew and Mary’s prosecutorial radar. 

In late December, the Supreme Court declined Special Counsel Jack’s Smiths request to hear whether Trump is immune from prosecution in the 2020 election subversion criminal case – at least, for now. Meanwhile, several states are reviewing Trump’s ballot eligibility under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into the latest updates in their first episode of 2024.