The US Supreme Court is to examine the question of whether or not former US president Donald Trump enjoys immunity from criminal prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office.

The court will hear oral arguments on the case in the week of 22 April.

Trump had appealed to the US’s highest court after a Court of Appeals panel rejected his argument that he could claim immunity from charges linked to his duties as president.

Election

That ruling cannot now come into effect while the Supreme Court decides on the issue.

The Supreme Court decision could delay Trump’s trial in a federal court on charges of witness tampering and conspiracy to defraud the US over his attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden.

In a separate case, the court is currently considering an appeal from Trump to remain on the presidential ballot, after a decision by the Colorado Supreme Court that he should be disqualified from appearing on the ballot for the Republican Party primary in the state.