Georgia court sets October date for Trump challenge to Fani Willis

An appeals court in Georgia might hear arguments in October about whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis can keep prosecuting the case against former President Donald Trump. The court has set a tentative date of October 4 for the hearing. If oral arguments are requested and granted, the court will have until mid-March to make a decision. This means the case likely won't go to trial before the November general election. The appeal will be decided by a three-judge panel of the intermediate appeals court. The case involves allegations of election interference by Trump and 18 others in Georgia. Four defendants have pleaded guilty, but Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. Trump and eight other defendants tried to remove Willis from the case due to her past relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The court ruled that there was no conflict of interest, but Trump and the defendants appealed this decision. The appeals court will hear arguments on whether Willis should be disqualified from the case. The judges assigned to the case are Judge Trenton Brown, Judge Todd Markle, and Judge Benjamin Land. The court could decide based on briefs filed without oral arguments. The case has caused delays, and no trial date has been set yet. The case involves allegations of a scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. Willis and Wade admitted to their past relationship but stated it began after Wade was hired and ended before the indictment. The court ruled that Willis could stay on the case only if Wade left, and he resigned shortly after. Trump's attorney looks forward to presenting arguments on why the case should be dismissed and Willis disqualified. The appeals court's decision could impact whether the case goes to trial before the election. The court will hear arguments on October 4, and a decision is expected by mid-March. The case involves allegations of election interference by Trump and others in Georgia. Willis and Wade's past relationship raised concerns, leading to delays in the legal proceedings. The court will decide whether Willis can continue prosecuting the case against Trump.