US supreme #court ‘erred badly’ with #Trump ruling, leading US historian says

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/05/us-supreme-court-trump-ruling

“For historians,” the brief said, “contemporary evidence from the decision-makers who sponsored, backed and voted for the 14th amendment … demonstrates that decision-makers crafted section three to cover the president and to create an enduring check on insurrection, requiring no additional action from #Congress.”

On Monday the supreme court disagreed, saying in an unsigned opinion: “We conclude that states may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office. But states have no power under the #constitution to enforce section three with respect to federal offices, especially the presidency.”

This makes it one of those democracies where there are draconian punishments for minor crimes that overcrowd the prisons, but those who attempt a #coup have nothing to fear.

#usa #America #politics #democracy #election #vote #news #law #crime #fail #problem