Supreme Court Passes on Cohen’s Allegations Against Trump and Officials

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The U.S. Supreme Court has chosen not to hear Michael Cohen’s lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, concluding Cohen’s legal pursuit related to alleged retaliatory imprisonment.

At a Glance

  • The Supreme Court declines to hear Michael Cohen’s case against Trump.
  • Cohen claimed his return to prison was retaliation for planning a critical book.
  • The lower court’s dismissal stands, supported by appellate courts.
  • Trump’s lawyers responded critically to Cohen’s claims.

Supreme Court Denies Cohen’s Retaliation Lawsuit

The U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to review Michael Cohen’s case effectively ends his efforts to litigate against Donald Trump and federal officials. Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, accused the former president of orchestrating a retaliatory return to prison due to Cohen’s plans to publish a book critical of Trump, alleging violations of his constitutional rights, including free speech.

This case journeyed through the legal system, initially dismissed by a U.S. District Judge who, despite recognizing potential constitutional infringements, cited precedents backing the decision. Cohen’s appeal to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals resulted in the dismissal being upheld, leading to the Supreme Court appeal, which was not granted a hearing.

Responses from Legal Representatives

Alina Habba, representing Trump, dismissed Cohen’s efforts as frivolous. “He must finally abandon his frivolous and desperate claims,” she stated following the Supreme Court’s decision. This viewpoint was shared by other Trump allies who viewed Cohen’s lawsuit as lacking merit.

“Michael Cohen has exhausted every avenue of his pathetic attempt to drag my client into court time and time again. As expected, the Supreme Court has correctly denied Michael Cohen’s petition and he must finally abandon his frivolous and desperate claims.” – Alina Habba

Cohen’s attorney, conversely, criticized the Supreme Court’s stance, warning of potentially dangerous precedents that might deter accountability for executive officeholders allegedly retaliating against their critics. This decision leaves in place the dismissal that bars Cohen from pursuing damages for alleged constitutional rights violations.

Backdrop of Cohen’s Legal Troubles

Michael Cohen’s legal troubles began in 2018 when he was sentenced to three years in prison for federal felonies, including campaign finance violations and false statements to Congress. Released in May 2020, he briefly returned to incarceration that summer, reportedly as retaliation related to his planned book.

“In denying Michael Cohen’s petition, the Supreme Court has stated that the courts will not provide any deterrent for an executive intent on incarcerating its critics in retaliation for their speech.” – Jon-Michael Dougherty

Cohen filed a civil lawsuit in 2021, claiming severe conditions during his subsequent imprisonment. A judge ruled that Cohen had been targeted with retaliation, but the decision did not lead to a successful appeal for restitution. The Biden administration also urged the justices to deny Cohen’s appeal, reinforcing the Supreme Court’s final position.

Sources:

  1. US Supreme Court won’t hear Michael Cohen bid to revive suit against Donald Trump
  2. Michael Cohen’s retaliation suit against Trump rejected at Supreme Court
  3. Supreme Court won’t revive Michael Cohen’s lawsuit against Trump claiming retaliatory imprisonment
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