 The court ruled yesterday in a 6-3 decision that presidents have immunity from criminal charges for official actions they take as president. There is no immunity for private actions. Justice Sonia Sotomayor authored a scathing dissent, writing, the president of the United States is the most powerful person in the country and possibly the world. When he uses his official powers in any way under the majority's reasoning, he now will be insulated from criminal prosecution.