Special Counsel Jack Smith has requested a federal appeals court to pause the appeal regarding the dismissal of President-elect Donald Trump's classified documents case. This request comes in light of Trump's recent presidential victory and aims to allow the government time to evaluate how to proceed under the unprecedented circumstance of a president-elect facing criminal allegations. Smith's filing indicates a need for compliance with Department of Justice policy, as he prepares to step down before Trump takes office. The original case was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who ruled Smith's appointment was illegal, prompting an appeal by Smith that is now on hold until December 2 for further deliberation. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges involving the mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, and similar requests to pause proceedings have been made in other cases against him. The situation remains fluid as updates are anticipated.