In a surprising ruling, Georgia’s Court of Appeals disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis from prosecuting the election interference case against President-elect Donald J. Trump and 14 allies. The appellate court cited an “appearance of impropriety” due to Ms. Willis’ romantic relationship with Nathan J. Wade, the special prosecutor she had hired for the case.

This decision overturned a trial court ruling that had allowed Willis to remain on the case despite ethical concerns. Legal experts and commentators, including Partner Chris Timmons, highlighted the complexity of the ruling, which has sparked debate over public confidence in the judicial process.

The ruling raises significant questions about the future of the case, the only active state-level prosecution directly implicating Trump. Willis’ office plans to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

Timmons said, “The appellate court’s decision reflects concerns about public trust, even as Ms. Willis’s landslide re-election suggests continued local support.”

The case underscores the tensions between legal ethics and political pressures in high-profile prosecutions.

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