How we cite our quotes: (Section.Subsection.Paragraph) or (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The court thereafter issued an order for an in camera examination of the subpoenaed material, having rejected the President's contentions (a) that the dispute between him and the special prosecutor was nonjusticiable as an "intra-executive" conflict and (b) that the judiciary lacked authority to review the President's assertion of executive privilege. (Opening.2)
This is a classic power struggle between the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government. In essence, Nixon's lawyers are saying that the court has no right to even get involved in a dispute between the special prosecutor and the prez. The Supremes begged to differ and claimed that it was their call, not Nixon's.
Quote #2
The dispute between the special prosecutor and the President presents a justiciable controversy. (Opening.4)
The Court's saying that they have a perfect right to intervene in the dispute between the special prosecutor and the president. It's "justiciable," meaning it can be decided in the courts, can go to trial, etc. Shmoop apologizes in advance if autocorrect changes this to "justifiable" or "Justin Timberlake."
Quote #3
The mere assertion of an "intra-branch dispute," without more, does not defeat federal jurisdiction. (Opening.5)
Just because the president claims that this is a disagreement within the executive branch, this does not stop the authority of the judicial branch to investigate possible federal crimes. Point by point, the Court's taking down Nixon's arguments.