Live News: Supreme Court Rules Trump Has Some Immunity from Prosecution

The comments on the courtroom by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, one of the Supreme Court’s liberal justices, were a stark contrast to those of Chief Justice John Roberts.

While Roberts kept a straight face, Sotomayor showed obvious emotion and paused occasionally.

She spoke slowly, emphasizing key aspects of her dissent from the court’s opinion, which she said “transforms the institution of the presidency” in a way that is “completely indefensible.”

“Ironic, isn’t it? The man responsible for enforcing the law can now simply break it,” she said, referring to the president. “Most create immunity through brute force.”

As she spoke, Justice Clarence Thomas sat to the left, leaning back in his chair, rubbing his face and at times appearing to close his eyes.

In her speech, Sotomayor cited a number of examples, including when the president ordered Navy SEALs to kill a rival and when he organized a military coup to maintain power.

She added that never before has a president had reason to believe he would be immune from criminal prosecution for crimes committed while in office.

“Going forward… all former presidents will be covered by such protection,” she added.

In most Supreme Court cases, a dissenting opinion—both on paper and in the courtroom—ends with a statement that the judge “respectfully” dissents. Not this time.

“Fearing for our democracy, I object,” she said.