The <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/judiciary/supreme-court" target="_blank">Supreme Court</a> has indicated it will expedite consideration of a petition by special counsel Jack Smith on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.

Smith made his request for the court to act with unusual speed to prevent any delays that could push back the trial of the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, currently set to begin March 4, until after next year's presidential election.

<div class="m"><picture> <img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/08/1200/675/57c30e6b-Trump-Smith.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1" alt="Jack Smith and Trump" width="100%" height="auto"></picture></div> <div class="info"><div class="caption"><p><span>Former President Donald Trump and special counsel Jack Smith.&nbsp;</span> <span>(Getty Images)</span></p></div></div>

The Court has asked Trump’s lawyers to respond to the motion by next Wednesday, December 20 – two days later than Smith had requested.&nbsp;

The Court’s next scheduled conference day for consideration of such matters is Jan. 5, 2024.&nbsp;

<i>This is a developing story. Check back for updates.&nbsp;</i>

<div class="author-bio"><p>Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics" target="_blank">political issues, </a>and much more.&nbsp;</p></div>

The Supreme Court has agreed to expedite this appeal and asked Trump’s lawyers to respond to the motion by next Wednesday December 20{ai:summary}<p>#politics The Supreme Court will fast-track the consideration of whether Trump can be prosecuted for plotting to overturn the 2020 election. The trial may run until after the 2024 presidential election. Trump's lawyers have until Dec 22 to respond.</p>

Supreme Court: Trump must respond to special counsel’s presidential immunity petition before Christmas

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