U.S. v. Nixon: Rules and Order Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Section.Subsection.Paragraph) or (Section.Paragraph)

Quote #4

The court rejected the President's claims of absolute executive privilege, of lack of jurisdiction, and of failure to satisfy the requirements of Rule 17(c). (Opening.15)

This is the court straight out telling Nixon that the special prosecutor did indeed have the jurisdiction to subpoena and examine his tapes. For the specifics of Rule 17(c), you can refer to our "Detailed Summary" section.

Quote #5

On the other hand, the allowance of the privilege to withhold evidence that is demonstrably relevant in a criminal trial would cut deeply into the guarantee of due process of law and gravely impair the basic function of the courts. (IV.C.13)

This (prophetic) quote warns of the dangers of unlimited executive privilege, which could undermine the rule of law and paralyze the function of the courts. For investigations to be carried out, certain rules have to be in place to make it possible for prosecutors to gather evidence. They had no idea at this point about the extent of the criminal activities that their decision would uncover.