Sen. Bob Menendez's legislative immunity claims denied by federal judge

The New Jersey senator had argued that due to the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause, he couldn't be prosecuted.  
Bob Menendez, Washington, D.C., Jan. 9, 2024
By Charlotte Hazard

A federal judge on Thursday denied Democrat New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez's claim of legislative immunity from the corruption counts against him. 

“The Court rejects Menendez’s argument in full, finding that none of the allegations … are protected by the Speech or Debate Clause,” Judge Sidney Stein said in her ruling, according to Politico.

The New Jersey senator had argued that due to the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause, he couldn't be prosecuted.

“While we are reviewing today’s ruling and considering our legal options, the court’s decision makes clear that the jury will have the final say on the government’s allegations,” one of Menendez's lawyers said in a statement. 

Menendez was indicted earlier this month on charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent.

He was also recently hit with 12 charges in a superseding indictment as part of an ongoing case alleging he acted as a foreign agent on behalf of Egypt.