Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP.
In Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP, the Supreme Court addressed the validity of congressional subpoenas seeking President Trump's personal financial records. The Court emphasized the need to balance significant separation of powers concerns with Congress's legislative interests. It vacated the lower courts' decisions, remanding the cases for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP.
The Court held that the lower courts did not adequately consider the significant separation of powers concerns raised by congressional subpoenas for the President's information.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Executive Power is relevant to Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP
The case primarily concerns the scope of congressional power to subpoena the President's personal information, implicating the separation of powers between Congress and the Executive.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The courts below did not take adequate account of the significant separation of powers concerns implicated by congressional subpoenas for the President's information.
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Why Judicial Review is relevant to Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP
The Court's role in reviewing the constitutionality of congressional subpoenas for the President's records is central to the decision.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)This dispute therefore represents a significant departure from historical practice. Although the parties agree that this particular controversy is justiciable, we recognize that it is the first of its kind to reach this Court.
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Why Necessary and Proper Clause is relevant to Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP
The case involves assessing whether Congress's issuance of subpoenas for the President's personal information is a necessary and proper exercise of its legislative powers.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Congress has no enumerated constitutional power to conduct investigations or issue subpoenas, but we have held that each House has power 'to secure needed information' in order to legislate.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP that support the summary and concepts above.
The courts below did not take adequate account of the significant separation of powers concerns implicated by congressional subpoenas for the President's information.
Congress has no enumerated constitutional power to conduct investigations or issue subpoenas, but we have held that each House has power 'to secure needed information' in order to legislate.
A balanced approach is necessary, one that takes a 'considerable impression' from 'the practice of the government.'
