Why Trump’s Election Case Was Dismissed ‘Without Prejudice’

Jack Smith requested the dismissal, stating that he didn’t think the constitution required dismissal with prejudice.

Special counsel Jack Smith prepares to speak about an indictment against former President Donald Trump in Washington on Aug. 1, 2023. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

District of Columbia Judge Tanya Chutkan dismissed the election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 25, bringing an end to a highly contentious prosecution and raising questions about whether the charges could once again surface.

Chutkan’s dismissal was entered “without prejudice,” which means the charges can hypothetically be brought against Trump at a later date.