Presidential power and immunity shape how executive authority functions—and how accountability is enforced—in the United States. While the Constitution does not explicitly define presidential immunity, Supreme Court decisions such as Nixon v. Fitzgerald, Clinton v. Jones, and Trump v. United States have clarified (and in some cases expanded) the legal protections afforded to presidents for official acts. These rulings distinguish between civil and criminal liability and raise important questions about the limits of executive power, the balance of checks and balances, and what happens when presidential actions test constitutional boundaries. Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone engaged in civic life, policy, or advocacy, as debates about immunity directly affect democracy, governance, and the rule of law.
To learn more on this, check out Policy Unpacked 6 : Presidential Power and Immunity
