In a bold move this week, Special Counsel Jack Smith has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to quickly settle the issue of whether former President Donald Trump enjoys “absolute immunity” from prosecution over his efforts to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election.

The case sets up an unprecedented legal showdown over Trump’s primary defense to a four-count indictment in D.C. federal court brought by Smith’s office. The special counsel has asked the justices to quickly review and decide the immunity issue in the prosecution’s favor to clear the way for a planned trial date in March 2024. The Supreme Court has agreed so far to act quickly—at least when it comes to its consideration of the office’s petition for writ of certiorari, or review, before judgment.