President Trump has once again made a controversial move, deciding to grant clemency to several criminals. However, the controversy stems from both the decisions themselves as well as the method. Rather than those unlawfully convicted, Trump decided to pardon several notable white-collar criminals including financier Michael R. Milken and New York City police commissioner Bernard B. Kerik. As a result, many pointed to the various political and social connections that existed between them and the president. Some of the criminals granted clemency were given personal pleas by those close to the president, while others called in previous favors or close ties. However, defendants of Trump's actions argue that he is bypassing the "broken system" on purpose, in order to bring justice back into the system.
Questions
1. While Trump has been known to make controversial moves, this is within his power as the president. Do you think there is another motive for this decision, or is it just for the sake of showing his power to "improve" the justice system?
2. White-collar crimes, such as fraud or embezzlement, can often be more harmful to a larger group of people than for example blue-collar crimes. With Trump granting clemency to white collar criminals, could this set a negative precedent for future would-be criminals?
In response to your second question, I believe that Trump granting clemency to white-collar criminals will only open doors for more future white-collar criminals to commit crimes such as fraud and embezzlement. By granting clemency, Trump is only reinforcing the broken justice system because he is relieving these criminals the consequences of their crimes and essentially making a statement to the public that it's possible to commit crimes without any consequences. More importantly, the only reason these criminals were granted clemency was because of their connections with Trump, which not everyone has, further revealing the injustice and inequality within our broken justice system.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Trump's motives are as simple as him doing what he wants to do. Even though many of his decisions are within his power as president, he continuously abuses this power and him granting clemency to these criminals is no different. He asserts his power because he can. I do not think his decision to grant clemency to these white-collared criminals was in attempt to improve our justice system. Most likely, Trump has personal connections to these people and hope to use them in the future. In my opinion, I believe that the only people who should be granted clemency are those who were unlawfully convicted or cheated by our justice system, not people who were rightfully put into prison. Even though white-collared crimes may not seem as harmful or dangerous, they actually can hurt people on a larger scale. This does set a negative precedent for future would-be criminals because people will now begin to think that they would be protected if they participated in embezzlement and wage theft.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Trump is frustrated with how his power is being limited by the other branches of government. In Congress, it has proven very difficult for Trump to pass his agenda due to house democrats blocking his proposals, and that issue has only worsened with a blue wave overtaking the house on midterms. Due to this, Trump is desperate to exercise any power he can. With one of these powers being the presidential pardon, Trump can make it look like he is doing something productive while bailing out his rich friends in the process. I have always believed that penalties for white-collar crimes have been way too lenient, and unfortunately the president is perpetuating that precedent. I think this is an important contrast that can be drawn from this when it comes to former president Obama. While Obama chose to pardon mostly nonviolent drug offenders, Trump has chosen to bail out the crooks and swindlers of the establishment.
ReplyDeleteThis is a gross injustice, and according to the structure of our judicial system, should be considered illegal (or at least changed so this practice is revoked). While this was a very unconventional move, it definitely fit with Trump's past behavior and shady dealings involving ways to circumvent the justice system. Many of his associates have gone to jail for tax fraud, obstruction of justice, lying to Congress, and illegal campaign contributions, with five associates in total currently in jail. Many of the people Trump chose to pardon fit in with this image: white collar executives and lawyers who had committed fraud or shady financial dealings. While these are nonviolent crimes, they were real victims to these crimes. The federal judge that convicted Kerik extended his sentence due to the "immeasurable" damage caused by his corruption and acceptance of bribes. Allowing him to go free, as well as Milken, sets a terrifying precedent that because there is no face to their victims, their crime is okay. It also sets the precedent that the president can extend his powers past traditional use, instead of being used for good. However, Trump did convey a powerful message with this pardoning: with great power and influence, you can help your friends of great power and influence out of tough spots, simply because you have the faculties to do so.
ReplyDeleteI am very opposed to Trump's actions and I believe that they are immoral and as a result of connections rather than virtue. However, I do believe that the presidential pardon is a crucial power that ought not to have restrictions (except perhaps pardoning those that have aided you in illegal activities). Trump may be letting white-collar criminals off scot-free, but he did not set this precedent: our justice system already has. Trump is merely part of an unjust system and there needs to be great reform to help out the poor and needy who are unfairly targeted and treated by our broken criminal justice system.
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