Donald Trump reported to Fulton County Jail yesterday to be arrested and processed on charges he interfered in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. The case holds special interest for legal and political observers for a number of reasons. For one thing, it’s a state charge. That means, if convicted, Trump wouldn’t be in a position to pardon himself should he regain the presidency. For another thing, and of particular interest to today’s featured columnists, some of the charges brought against the former president concern the RICO statutes. This is a rather sweeping set of laws designed to prosecute criminal organizations.

Tempting as it is to summarize the columnists’ argument, we think it’s better to just let you read it. It is as nuanced and thoughtful a piece as any we’ve ever featured, and that’s saying something. We hope you agree.