Trump Wants Racketeering Case Postponed

Lawyers for President-Elect Donald Trump have asked that the lawsuit filed against Trump University be postponed until after his inauguration in January, 2017, and that he not be required to testify, live or in person. The trial is currently slated for Nov. 28, but Trump’s attorney says he is too focused on his transition to the White House. The lawyers have argued for videotaped testimony, with the date and location of the recording to be kept secret. “The videotaped testimony will ensure no additional delay of trial based on future scheduling unpredictability,” Trump’s attorney Daniel Petrocelli wrote. “The breathing room also will permit the parties to explore alternative methods of resolving both cases. And the definite period after which to schedule trial safeguards plaintiffs’ rights and minimizes the prejudice to them.” Attached to the motion are more than 500 pages detailing the complex process of forming a transition team for an incoming President. It also referenced Clinton v. Jones, a 1997 Supreme Court ruling that clarified that sitting presidents do not have immunity in lawsuits involving incidents that occurred before they were in office. However, the ruling states that federal courts must give the “utmost deference” to the president in such cases, giving wide latitude in his scheduling.