The Likelihood of Impeachment: Trump, Mueller, and Legal Obstacles
The Likelihood of Impeachment: Trump, Mueller, and Legal Obstacles
As the Mueller investigation unfolds, the question of whether former President Trump will face criminal charges has become a hot topic of debate. There are two differing answers depending on the terminology used: being charged versus being convicted.
Charges: Any Prosecutor#39;s Game
The adage that any prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich underscores how broad the scope of charging someone can be. However, it is crucial to understand the likelihood of a successful conviction. The ongoing Mueller investigation aims to establish if former President Trump indeed broke federal laws. Yet, the political climate and the challenges faced by the Justice Department (DOJ) in pursuing charges bring significant doubt to the probability of a conviction.
Political Corruption and DOJ Involvement
The Justice Department has been heavily criticized for its perceived political bias. Reports suggest that the DOJ is willing to use every means at its disposal to prevent Trump from being re-elected, as they did with the now-discredited Russia-gate and Ukraine-hoax allegations.
One of the key points in the document gate case, where charges were levied against Trump, involves an unusual twist. The chosen prosecutor has a history of misconduct, repeatedly admonished by the courts. Rather than using the Presidential Records Act (PRA) as the legal framework, which provides exculpatory evidence for Trump, the prosecutor has opted to charge him under the much older espionage law. This decision is puzzling, given that the PRA was expressly created to replace the espionage law in its original intent.
Biased Prosecution and Precedents
For instance, the prosecution of Trump rested heavily on the idea that documents were improperly handled. However, it's worth noting that these same documented handling practices were used by other presidents, such as Barack Obama, who had far more extensive document collections and yet faced no similar charges. The discrepancies in handling of cases bring into question the fairness of the current prosecution.
In another legal twist, evidence showed that former Vice President Biden had similar document-handling issues. However, the Justice Department chose not to pursue Charges against Biden, citing his age and mental disabilities as reasons. This decision to pursue charges against Trump while ignoring similar cases against other high-ranking officials raises eyebrows and questions about consistent enforcement of the law.
The Probability of Conviction
Even if charges are successfully brought, the likelihood of a sustained conviction in the courts is exceedingly low. Courts are required to follow the law, and the PRA provides comprehensive protection for Trump in these legal proceedings. As such, any conviction is almost mathematically impossible in the appellate courts due to the clear exculpatory provisions in the law.
Concluding, while there is no doubt legal avenues can be pursued to charge Trump, the significant legal and procedural obstacles make the chances of a sustained conviction close to zero. The political undertones of the current legal landscape further complicate the matter, raising questions about justice and fairness.
Ultimately, the strength and the conviction of the charges against Trump are crucial. However, it is equally important to ensure that these charges are super-glued to the law, avoiding the pitfalls of selective enforcement and ensuring that justice is upheld for all.