The judge overseeing the Georgia 2020 election RICO case
has denied former President Donald Trump's motion to dismiss the case on First Amendment grounds.
In his order, the judge also denied similar First Amendment challenges raised by other co-defendants in the case.
[snip]
The order issued Thursday by Judge Scott McAfee ruled that constitutional First Amendment protections "do not reach the actions and statements alleged by the State."
Citing precedent, Judge McAfee wrote that "although the First Amendment is 'a broad umbrella that shelters all political points of view and shields a wide range of avenues for expression,' free speech -- including political speech -- is not without restriction."
"Even core political speech addressing matters of public concern is not impenetrable from prosecution if allegedly used to further criminal activity," the judge continued.
However, Judge McAfee left open the possibility for future challenges "at the appropriate time after the establishment of a factual record."