Nixon v.

United States (July 24, 1974)

After Watergate there were indictments against seven of the presidents closest aids. The
defendants wanted the tapes and the president said he could give them the tapes because he is the
president and he can do what he wants. The plaintiff is the United States. The defendant is
Nixon.

The question that arouse was did the president have the right to keep certain information by
using his “executive privilege”? The court decided no. The president must obey subpoena and
give over the tapes and documents. The vote was a 8-0 vote.

This case made it clear that the president must obey the same laws as everyone else.