What principle was established in United States v. Nixon?

The principle established in United States v. Nixon is that the president is not above the law. This landmark Supreme Court case addressed the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary, particularly concerning executive privilege and accountability.

In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that President Nixon had to comply with a subpoena for tape recordings that were relevant to a criminal investigation. The court held that while the president does have a degree of executive privilege, this privilege is not absolute and cannot be used to obstruct the judicial process. This decision reinforced the notion that all individuals, including the president, are subject to the rule of law and must adhere to legal processes.

This ruling has significant implications for the accountability of the executive branch, establishing a precedent that underscores the principle of checks and balances within the U.S. government.