Special Counsel Jack Smith will appeal a federal judge's decision to dismiss charges against former President Trump for mishandling classified documents. The case, which has surprised legal experts due to its deviation from established precedent, will now be reviewed by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Legal experts suggest the Justice Department might also consider refiling the charges without using a special counsel.
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the federal judge who declined to reinstate Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren should reconsider some aspects of the case, giving hope for his possible return to office. The ruling critiqued the legal reasoning of the earlier decision and stated that the district court has the authority to remedy First Amendment violations. Warren's suspension by Gov. Ron DeSantis was based on statements he signed with other elected prosecutors and policies enacted in his office, which the appeals court found to be violations of his First Amendment rights. It is unclear if Warren could be reinstated before the November 2024 election, and it remains uncertain what impact the ruling might have on Warren's decision not to run for reelection.
