Jack Smith and the Presumption of Guilt

The erstwhile special counsel began his case by invoking the presumption of innocence, and, absent a verdict, he ended it with the presumption of guilt.

Alex Wong/Getty Images
Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks at the Department of Justice on August 1, 2023, at Washington, D.C. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Special Counsel Jack Smith began his tenure waxing about the presumption of innocence, and he concludes it all in on the presumption of guilt. That is what we glean from his final report on his prosecution of President-elect Trump for election interference, which was released to Congress in the small hours on Tuesday morning. It is an extraordinary document, albeit one that voters reduced, with their verdict in November, to a historical footnote.

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use