In a recent development in the criminal election interference case involving former President Donald Trump, a federal judge has denied Trump's attempt to hold special counsel Jack Smith in contempt. The judge, Tanya Chutkan, ruled that Smith's actions did not violate the court order to stay the case while Trump's appeal is pending.

Attorneys representing Trump had accused Smith of violating the court order by submitting evidence and filing a motion after the deadlines had been paused. However, Judge Chutkan noted in her order that the stay in the case did not explicitly prohibit Smith's actions. She explained that "staying the deadline for a filing is not the same thing as affirmatively prohibiting it."

Despite rejecting the contempt charges, Judge Chutkan did grant Trump's request to require Smith and other parties to seek her permission before filing any more pretrial motions in the case. This decision aims to maintain a streamlined and orderly legal process.

The federal election case accuses Trump of illegally conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss to President Joe Biden. Smith has been pushing for an expedited trial, and the case is currently scheduled to begin in early March.

Last month, the case was automatically put on hold as Trump appealed Judge Chutkan's refusal to dismiss the criminal charges, citing presidential immunity. A panel of federal appeals court judges recently heard oral arguments on Trump's claim of "absolute immunity" for his official presidential acts.

This latest ruling provides clarity on the boundaries and procedures for filing motions during the appeal process. As the case progresses, both sides will continue to present their arguments, and the trial is expected to shed light on the allegations of election interference.

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