The podcast discusses the sentencing of the first Capitol riot defendant and the criteria for determining sentences for others involved. They also explore the government's defense of Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit and its potential implications. Trump's unsuccessful attempts to stop SNL from mocking him are amusingly analyzed. The podcast covers the legal battles between the Trump Organization and New York City over canceled contracts.
The lenient sentence given to Capitol riot defendant Anna Morgan-Lloyd sets a precedent for future sentencing decisions related to the insurrection.
The outcome of the defamation suit against Donald Trump by E. Jean Carroll could establish a precedent for future civil cases against him arising from the Capitol riot.
Deep dives
Capital Riot Defendant Sentenced to Probation
Anna Morgan-Lloyd, a capital riot defendant, has been sentenced to 36 months of probation and no jail time for her misdemeanor charge of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a capital building. The sentence was in line with a joint recommendation from prosecutors and the defense, highlighting seven criteria that justified a lenient sentence. These criteria included the absence of pre-planning, no personal engagement in violence or destruction, a brief visit to the building, cooperation with law enforcement, admission of responsibility, contrition, and a clean criminal history. This case sets a precedent for future sentencing decisions related to the capital riot.
Implications of U.S. Government's Position in E. Jean Carroll's Defamation Suit
The U.S. Department of Justice continues to argue that when former President Donald Trump denied E. Jean Carroll's rape accusation, he spoke in his official capacity as president. This argument has raised concerns among legal experts who question what this means for civil cases related to the capital riot, where Trump is being sued for incitement. While critics argue for a broader justice analysis, legal experts stress that the relevant question is whether the speech is reasonably connected to the president's role. The outcome of this defamation suit could set a precedent for future civil cases against Trump.
Sanctions Against Ukrainian Oligarchs
The Ukrainian government has imposed sanctions on two oligarchs, Dimitro Firtash and Pavel Fuks, both of whom have had past dealings with Rudy Giuliani and the Trump administration. Firtash, currently fighting extradition to the U.S., is under indictment for bribery charges. The Ukraine accuses him of pro-Russian dealings in the titanium business. Fuks paid Giuliani as a consultant, claiming the former mayor's expertise in fighting corruption and infrastructure development. These latest developments have possible implications for Giuliani's ongoing legal troubles and potential connections to Trump.
Trump Organization's Legal Battles
The Trump Organization is engaged in legal battles in various fronts. It is suing New York City over the termination of its contract to operate the Ferry Point Golf Course, arguing that it was wrongfully terminated. Meanwhile, the organization's CFO, Allen Weisselberg, is under investigation for tax-related offenses and may face indictment as early as this summer. Prosecutors are also interested in Weisselberg's potential cooperation and whether he can provide valuable information about Donald Trump. These legal challenges pose complexities and uncertainties for both the Trump Organization and individuals within it.
The first Capitol riot defendant received her sentence today, more than six months after the insurrection. Ken White and Josh Barro analyze the sentencing memos from the woman’s lawyer and the government. Both agreed that a lenient sentence with no jail time was appropriate for her one misdemeanor count (to which she pleaded guilty) and the government seemed to set a standard for the hundreds of sentences that are expected. What is the criteria and will it determine how other people are sentenced?
Next: some legal analysts worry that because the government will continue to defend Donald Trump in the defamation lawsuit against him E. Jean Carroll, that indicates the government would also defend the former president in civil cases arising from the insurrection. Ken says that the government actually has a better reason to do so in that case than they do in the E. Jean Carroll case. Also: Trump’s attempts to use the Department of Justice and the FCC to get SNL to stop making fun of him were amusing and predictable but not legally feasible.
Also in this episode: the swear jar runneth over as Ken and Josh discuss a Ukrainian oligarch named Pavel Fuks with ties to Rudy Giuliani. Finally: the DOJ drops its fight with John Bolton, Manhattan prosecutors appear to be investigating another Trump Organization exec, and the Trump Organization sues the entire city of New York for canceling its contracts to run a golf course, two ice rinks and a carousel.
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