President Joe Biden commutes sentences for two of Chicago area’s most notorious fraudsters

[WVK]

President Joe Biden on Thursday commuted the sentences of two of the Chicago area’s most notorious fraudsters: former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell, who embezzled nearly $54 million from the tiny town to fund a lavish lifestyle, and Eric Bloom, the onetime leader of a Northbrook management firm who defrauded investors of more than $665 million…

https://www.yahoo.com/news/president-joe-biden-commutes-sentences-192600042.html

[Buzz_Light_Year]

Paying off old debts. 

[+susieice]

He pardoned 39 and commuted sentences for 1500.

Biden pardons 39 people, commutes sentences of 1,500 others

[diddyman68]

10 minutes ago, susieice said:

He pardoned 39 and commuted sentences for 1500.

Biden pardons 39 people, commutes sentences of 1,500 others

I find this whole presidential pardoning really confusing, so is it a case of some rich guy goes to jail, probably donated millions to whatever party.

And president gets them out of jail. ? I mean a judge sentences someone to a certain crime for a certain amount of time,and a president can overule that judge and say ,nah let him out ,hes ok.

The whole presidential pardon thing seems messed up to me,

[+susieice]

2 hours ago, diddyman68 said:

I find this whole presidential pardoning really confusing, so is it a case of some rich guy goes to jail, probably donated millions to whatever party.

And president gets them out of jail. ? I mean a judge sentences someone to a certain crime for a certain amount of time,and a president can overule that judge and say ,nah let him out ,hes ok.

The whole presidential pardon thing seems messed up to me,

A President is only supposed to be allowed to pardon Federal crimes, not state ones. They aren't necessarily rich people. They can override sentences. I haven't really read who all was commuted. I've read the list of names of the people pardoned. I'd have to Google everyone to find out what they did but these are all supposed to be victimless and non-violent crimes. Trump has already said on his first day as President he will pardon everyone involved in Jan 6. I don't know who else he'll pardon or commute. I expect to be swimming in pardons until February but we will see.

Maybe this article will help. It features Trump but right now, they all do. Likely because of Presidential immunity. The only President ever pardoned was Nixon, by Ford. Nixon resigned before he was impeached. After the part I quoted are 4 categories of abuse explained in depth. You want to read them. It's a long article but if you keep reading it does say what recourses a judge has.

The presidential pardon power, explained

Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution vests the president with a broad but limited power “to grant Reprieves and Pardons.” According to the Supreme Court, the pardon power is intended as a tool for justice and mercy (an “act of grace”) and to further “the public welfare.” As one federal court has held: “The President, who exercises that power as the elected representative of all the People, must always exercise it in the public interest.”

While the presidential pardon power is expansive, it is not, according to federal courts, “limitless.” To the contrary, as “part of the Constitutional scheme,” it is subject to several express and structural constitutional constraints. The Pardon Clause makes explicit that pardons may only extend to “Offenses against the United States,” meaning state criminal offenses and civil liability are not pardonable, and that they may not be granted for “Cases of Impeachment.” But these are not the only limitations. As the Supreme Court explains, limitations may otherwise be “found in the Constitution.” In particular, four categories of pardons violate core constitutional provisions and principles and constitute abuses of power:

Edited December 13, 2024 by susieice

[+susieice]

Here's Article II Section 2 of the Constitution.

Overview of Pardon Power | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

[+and-then]

If any part of the judicial or legislative branches tried to limit presidential pardoning power it would inevitably make its way to SCOTUS.  Biden is being asked to set precedent by pre-emptive pardons for individuas who have yet to be charged with any crime.  I think that is unprecedented, is it not?  Another point to consider is that the Feds said in advance that if Trump pardons J6 rioters, they have to admit to their guilt as a part of that deal.  So if Biden pardons all of the members of government that have taken any part in how J6 was dealt with, all of those folks also can be seen as accepting guilty pleas as a part of being pardoned in advance.

If Trump chose to do so, he could reactivate Milley's duty status and then Court-Martial him.  I doubt he would have to serve time but he could be severely reduced in rank and or have his pension revoked.  Frankly, I think he deserves prison for treason against the US.  There has never before been an officer that more plainly betrayed his oath.