The story
The US Supreme Court has said Donald Trump cannot be punished for official actions he committed as president.
The ruling means that any US president, including ex-president Trump, can’t be criminally prosecuted for work they do as part of their job as president, even if it’s something considered illegal for everyone else.
Some people are worried about this, while others think it is necessary to stop criminal prosecution influencing presidential decision-making.
Neil and Beth explain this news story and teach you some useful vocabulary.
News headlines
Trump asks for conviction to be overturned after immunity ruling
BBC News
The Supreme Court’s Trump immunity decision is a blueprint for dictatorship
Vox
Biden warns Trump can do ‘whatever he pleases’ if elected as Republicans relish Supreme Court immunity ruling
The Independent
Key words and phrases
immunity
protection from legal action
- She was given immunity from prosecution after confessing the names of other gang members.
blueprint
a plan to achieve something
- A scientific study provides the blueprint for a new cancer treatment.
relish
like or enjoy something
- My university has courses in Peru. I relish the thought of studying Spanish for a year.