Trump v. Anderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trump v. Anderson |
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| Argued February 8, 2024 |
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| Full case name | Donald J. Trump v. Norma Anderson, Michelle Priola, Claudine Cmarada, Krista Kafer, Kathi Wright, and Christopher Castilian |
| Docket nos. | 23-719 |
| Prior history | Certiorari to the Colorado Supreme Court, Anderson v. Griswold |
| Court membership | |
Trump v. Anderson is an important case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. It's about whether a former president, Donald Trump, can run for president again. This case is connected to a part of the U.S. Constitution called the Fourteenth Amendment.
In December 2023, a court in Colorado decided that Donald Trump could not be on the ballot for the 2024 presidential election in that state. This decision was made because of his actions during the January 6, 2021, event at the U.S. Capitol. In Colorado, this case was known as Anderson v. Griswold.
What is Trump v. Anderson?
This case is about a rule in the U.S. Constitution. The Colorado Supreme Court said that Mr. Trump's actions on January 6, 2021, were like "engaging in insurrection." An insurrection is a violent uprising against the government.
The Fourteenth Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment has a rule, Section 3. This rule says that someone cannot hold public office if they have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the United States. This rule was added after the Civil War. It was meant to stop people who fought against the U.S. government from holding power.
The Colorado court's decision was the first time a presidential candidate was disqualified using this rule. The Colorado ruling is on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court makes its own decision.
Why the Supreme Court is Involved
On January 5, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Mr. Trump's appeal. This means they will review the Colorado court's decision. When the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case, it's called granting a writ of certiorari. Oral arguments, where lawyers present their cases, were held on February 8, 2024. The Supreme Court's decision will affect whether Mr. Trump can be on the ballot in other states too.
