United States vs. Nixon|| Case Summary || 418 U.S. 683 (1974) || Executive Privilege and Separation of Powers

Executive Privilege and Separation of Powers

FACTS

In United States vs. Nixon During the Watergate scandal, a special prosecutor subpoenaed audio tapes of conversations recorded in President Richard Nixon's office. Nixon refused to release the tapes, citing executive privilege.

ISSUES

Can the President withhold information from a criminal investigation using executive privilege?

Does the judiciary have the authority to review claims of executive privilege?

RELEANT LEGAL PROVISIONS

Article II of the U.S. Constitution: Establishes executive power.

Judicial Review Doctrine

JUDGEMENT

The Court unanimously ruled against Nixon. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger delivered the opinion, stating that executive privilege is not absolute and cannot be used to obstruct justice.

KEY POINTS

Executive privilege must yield to the need for evidence in a criminal trial.

The President is not above the law and is subject to judicial process.

IMPACT OF THE JUDGEMENT

Set limits on executive power and reinforced the role of judicial review.

Led to Nixon’s resignation after the tapes were released and revealed misconduct.

Became a cornerstone case on constitutional checks and balances.

CONCLUSION

United States v. Nixon reaffirmed the principle of accountability in government and solidified the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law, even over the executive branch.

Vinita Pathak