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Trump and co-defendants ask appeals court to review ruling allowing Fani Willis to stay on Georgia election case
Former President Donald Trump and eight other defendants accused of illegally trying to interfere in the 2020 election in Georgia on Friday submitted a formal application to appeal a judge’s ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the case.
Trump and other defendants had tried to get Willis and her office tossed off the case, saying her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade created a conflict of interest. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee earlier this month found that there was not a conflict of interest that should force Willis off the case but said that the prosecution was “encumbered by an appearance of impropriety.”
McAfee’s ruling said Willis could continue her prosecution if Wade left the case, and the special prosecutor resigned hours later. Lawyers for Trump and other defendants then asked McAfee to allow them to appeal his ruling to the Georgia Court of Appeals, and he granted that request.
The filing of an application with the appeals court is the next step in that process. The Court of Appeals has 45 days to decide whether it will take up the matter.
The allegations that Willis had improperly benefited from her romance with Wade upended the case for weeks. Intimate details of Willis and Wade’s personal lives were aired in court in mid-February, overshadowing the serious allegations in one of four criminal cases against the Republican former president. Trump and 18 others were indicted in August, accused of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally try to overturn his narrow 2020 presidential election loss to President Biden in Georgia.
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The appeal application says McAfee was wrong not to disqualify both Willis and Wade from the case, saying that “providing DA Willis with the option to simply remove Wade confounds logic and is contrary to Georgia law.”
Steve Sadow, Trump’s lead attorney in the case, said in a statement that the case should have been dismissed and “at a minimum” Willis should have been disqualified from continuing to prosecute it. He said the Court of Appeals should grant the application and consider the merits of the appeal.
A spokesperson for Willis declined to comment.
Willis used Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, law, an expansive anti-racketeering statute, to charge Trump and the 18 others. Four people charged in the case have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty.
McAfee clearly found that Willis’ relationship with Wade and his employment as lead prosecutor in the case created an appearance of impropriety, and his failure to disqualify Willis and her whole office from the case “is plain legal error requiring reversal,” the defense attorneys wrote in their application.
Given the complexity of the case and the number of defendants, the application says, multiple trials will likely be necessary. Failure to disqualify Willis now could require any verdicts to be overturned, and it would be “neither prudent nor efficient” to risk having to go through “this painful, divisive, and expensive process” multiple times, it says.
In his ruling, McAfee cited a lack of appellate guidance on the issue of disqualifying a prosecutor for forensic misconduct, and the appeals court should step in to establish such a precedent, the lawyers argue.
Finally, the defense attorneys argued, it is crucial that prosecutors “remain and appear to be disinterested and impartial” to maintain public faith in the integrity of the judicial system.
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Gold’s meteoric rise in 2024 has captured the attention of investors across the globe, as the precious metal has shattered numerous price records and posted gains of about 33% year-to-date — far outpacing the returns on more traditional investments. This remarkable performance hasn’t just been appealing to seasoned investors, either. It has also sparked interest among newcomers to the investment world, many of whom see the potential for significant returns in an asset traditionally known more for stability than dramatic growth.
The allure of gold in today’s market is understandable. Watching an investment vehicle post consistent gains can make the decision to invest seem straightforward, particularly for those just beginning their investment journey. However, the decision to invest in gold requires more nuanced consideration than simply following market momentum. While gold’s recent performance might suggest an easy path to profits, its role in an investment portfolio is complex and multifaceted.
And the current market dynamics present both opportunities and challenges for beginners, in particular. After all, the confluence of factors driving gold’s price appreciation creates a complex landscape that can be difficult to navigate. So should beginners take the plunge and add gold to their portfolios this November? That’s what we’ll break down below.
Compare your gold investing options here.
Should beginners invest in gold this November?
While the decision to invest in gold is ultimately a personal one based on factors like your investment goals and diversification needs, there are a few good reasons to consider buying in as a beginner, including:
The potential for short-term price growth
Gold is typically seen as a long-term investment, but the past year has presented a unique opportunity for short-term gains. The price of gold has surged from about $2,064 per ounce on January 1 to where it sits today at about $2,745 per ounce (as of October 24, 2024). And while that’s an impressive price run, there’s a good chance it’s not over. Many analysts expect that the price of gold could exceed $3,000 by the end of the year, meaning that beginners have a rare chance to invest now and potentially turn a quick profit in the coming weeks or months.
So, if you’re new to investing and looking for a way to capitalize on market trends, gold could provide a relatively low-risk opportunity for significant returns in the short term. While it’s generally advisable to hold onto gold for the long run, current market conditions offer a window for quicker profits, making this November an opportune time to get involved.
Protect your portfolio with gold today.
The protections it offers during uncertain times
Geopolitical tensions are running high as the year draws to a close, with conflicts and global uncertainty making financial markets more unpredictable. That’s where gold can come in handy, especially for beginners. Gold has historically been seen as a safe haven during times of geopolitical unrest, as its value tends to rise when other assets face volatility or decline due to external shocks. So for beginners looking to safeguard their portfolios against unpredictable global events, gold offers a layer of protection.
Whether it’s trade disputes, political instability or other conflicts, these factors can negatively affect traditional assets like stocks and bonds. By investing in gold, beginners can shield their portfolios from sudden downturns caused by such events. November is an especially relevant time to consider this, as upcoming political events could lead to more market swings. Owning gold in such times provides a cushion against potential disruptions.
The affordability and accessibility it offers
Another appealing aspect of investing in gold as a beginner is the variety of ways you can invest in it. Whether your goal is to buy physical gold, invest in a digital asset like a gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) or gold stocks or something else entirely, gold can be an accessible option regardless of your budget, as there are plenty of opportunities to get exposure without needing a large sum of money upfront.
For beginners, this flexibility is a huge advantage. You can start small by purchasing fractional shares of gold ETFs or gold-based mutual funds, allowing you to dip your toes into the precious metal market without committing significant capital. This makes November an ideal time for new investors, as it allows you to participate in the ongoing price surge while tailoring your investment to your financial situation.
The bottom line
Investing in gold this November presents a unique opportunity for beginners. Whether you’re looking to turn a quick profit as gold prices continue to rise or are simply trying to find an affordable, accessible entry point into the precious metals market, gold offers both short-term and long-term benefits. By adding gold to your portfolio, you’ll also gain valuable diversification that can help protect your investments during periods of economic uncertainty. As with any type of investment, though, just make sure you’ve fully researched your options and are sure it’s the right move for your money.
