### Judge Grants Special Counsel More Time in Trump's Election Case

In response to the recent presidential election results, a federal district judge has granted special counsel Jack Smith additional time to navigate the implications for the ongoing case against President-elect Donald Trump. Trump, who won a second term by defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, will be inaugurated on January 20, thereby presenting an "unprecedented circumstance" that necessitates this delay.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed to Smith’s request, which was made to allow the prosecutors to reassess their strategy in light of Trump's new status as President-elect. The current deadlines have been removed, and Smith is expected to report back to the court with a proposed plan by December 2.

The Department of Justice adheres to a longstanding policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. This policy adds complexity to the ongoing federal prosecutions against Trump, which have been a focal point in recent judicial proceedings. Trump is facing four federal charges related to what Smith describes as an unlawful attempt to subvert the transfer of power following the 2020 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to these charges and denies any wrongdoing.

The proceedings in this case had previously been paused for several months due to Trump’s claims of immunity from federal prosecution, claims which reached the Supreme Court. The Court ruled in July that former presidents cannot be charged for official actions taken during their time in office. Consequently, an altered indictment was issued against Trump in August, which adheres to the Supreme Court's guidelines. The validity of these charges is currently being contested in court.

Additionally, Trump was charged in a separate case in South Florida concerning his alleged mishandling of classified documents. However, those 40 charges were dismissed earlier this year by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who deemed the special counsel's appointment unconstitutional. Smith has appealed this decision, and legal arguments on the constitutionality of his appointment continue.

As Trump's inauguration day approaches, the Justice Department and Smith's team are under pressure to navigate these legal complexities and determine the appropriate course of action for the prosecutions.