Supreme Court to Determine Immunity Issue in Biden Case
The legal landscape surrounding President Joe Biden's alleged actions as vice president is under scrutiny, as the question of immunity makes its way to the Supreme Court. Legal analysts and Harvard Law professors have voiced their opinions on the matter, shedding light on the implications of Biden's legal predicament.
The partisan divide on impeachment is apparent, with Democrats now facing accusations of hypocrisy for their push to impeach Biden based on his actions as vice president. Previously, Democrats argued against impeaching a president when they are no longer in office, as demonstrated during former President Donald Trump's second impeachment. Nevertheless, the tables seem to have turned, with Democrats now targeting Biden while their counterparts maintained a different stance.
The Mayorkas impeachment case presents another example of shifting perspectives. Those who previously emphasized the need for high crimes and misdemeanors, such as treason and bribery, are now advocating for a broader definition that includes abuse of office. Conversely, those who once favored broad criteria like abuse of power and obstruction of Congress are now arguing for specific offenses. Such hypocrisy only undermines public trust in the criminal justice system and the Constitution, ultimately disadvantaging the American public.
The issue of immunity, which may have significant implications for Biden, is now in the spotlight. While it is widely agreed that a sitting president cannot be indicted due to long-standing Department of Justice policy, the question arises regarding Biden's actions as vice president. If it is found that Biden used his official capacity to benefit his family members, legal experts argue it could amount to the crime of bribery. Should this be the case, Biden would not enjoy executive privilege or immunity once he leaves office.
The notion that Biden's alleged actions could be considered bribery has gained support among legal scholars. The crime of bribery falls within the scope of impeachable offenses outlined in the Constitution. However, opinions diverge when it comes to the timing of impeachment. Some argue that impeaching a president during an election year interferes with voters' rights and should be avoided. Nevertheless, the bribery allegations surrounding Biden's family and their alleged influence-peddling schemes are seen as critical evidence in favor of impeachment.
The question remains as to whether the Supreme Court will take up the immunity issue. While both legal analysts believe it should be addressed, they have differing views on the timing. One professor opines that the Supreme Court will not address the matter until after a potential conviction, while the other suggests that the issue will be left for future deliberations but not immediately addressed. Regardless, the consensus is that the Supreme Court should ultimately adjudicate on this issue.
As the legal battle unfolds, the determination of whether Biden is immune from prosecution for his actions as vice president will have far-reaching consequences. The case will undoubtedly have implications for the future of presidential immunity and the accountability of those who hold public office.
