Sunday, August 27, 2017

The pardon of Joe Arpaio

Much cussed and discussed topic of the day, it seems.  I  noted how it kept being mentioned that he was "convicted".  Upon closer examination, I found that he was "convicted" without a jury trial.

Not that the judge lacks power to put someone in jail for contempt.  However, a person has a right to a trial by jury.  Or, if someone is going to refer to it as a conviction, it should be noted that Arpaio didn't receive a jury trial.

If the phrase of  "rule of law" is going to be used, then at least let it be according to our Constitution.

A POTUS has the power under the Constitution to grant pardons.  A judge can slap a contempt charge on somebody.  But please don't use "conviction" and "rule of law" for what is an opinion of a single judge.

Even if the Supreme Court says he  is in contempt, he still has a right to a trial by jury.  And the POTUS can pardon him if he wishes.  The law says so.  Don't give me this "rule of law" bravo sierra, which claims he cannot.



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