Document ID: ./input/supremecourt_opinions/opinions/19pdf/19-635_o7jq.pdf
Page Number: 68.0

24 

TRUMP v. VANCE 

ALITO, J., dissenting 

the most exceptional cases.’ ”  Id., at 692.  There is no ques-
tion that a criminal prosecution holds far greater potential
for  distracting  a  President  and  diminishing  his  ability  to 
carry  out  his  responsibilities  than  does  the  average  civil 
suit. 

* 

* 

* 
The subpoena at issue here is unprecedented.  Never be-
fore has a local prosecutor subpoenaed the records of a sit-
ting  President.    The  Court’s  decision  threatens  to  impair
the functioning of the Presidency and provides no real pro-
tection against the use of the subpoena power by  the Na-
tion’s 2,300+ local prosecutors.  Respect for the structure of
Government created by the Constitution demands greater
protection  for  an  institution  that  is  vital  to  the  Nation’s 
safety and well-being.

I therefore respectfully dissent.