Michael Cohen, the former personal counsel for Donald Trump, intends to petition President Joe Biden for clemency following his three-year prison term.
Cohen made this announcement via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, and later elaborated on his request via his Patreon page, Political Beatdown After Show.
Michael Cohen Seeks Clemency from President Biden After Prison Stint
Cohen disclosed in his application for amnesty that he had received letters of support from members of Congress and constitutional scholars.
Cohen’s request for clemency comes after he completed his three-year prison term in 2021. In 2018, he was convicted of campaign finance violations, making fraudulent statements to Congress, and other offenses associated with alleged hush money payments from Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Cohen maintains that he acted at the former president’s request.
This is not the first time Cohen’s case has been linked to a possible pardon. During the concluding days of Trump’s presidency in 2020, several of his associates received pardons, including Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, and Charles Kushner (father of Trump’s son-in-law).
However, Cohen was conspicuously absent from this list.
Cohen has received varying degrees of support from X users since announcing his pursuit of a presidential pardon.
Some have expressed optimism that he will be granted amnesty, citing his remorse and honesty regarding his actions.
One user commented, “I pray President Biden grants you clemency! You unquestionably merit it. I’ve never seen anyone so apologetic and willing to be truthful and do the right thing. I believe you have demonstrated your worth! I hope you can also regain your license to practice law.”
Others, however, remain skeptical of Cohen’s clemency request, highlighting the gravity of his past actions.
One user cautioned, “You provide invaluable insight into Donald Trump and his schemes.” However, you have committed numerous serious offenses. You were a party to much suffering. You do not merit forgiveness for your wrongs. Concentrate on reform.”
Legal scholars have debated the concept of presidential pardons, particularly in cases like Cohen’s.
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Columbia Law Prof Contemplates Pardons and Constitutional Rights
In a 2017 article published on the school’s website, Jamal Greene, the Dwight
Professor of Law at Columbia Law School and an expert in constitutional law and the Supreme Court, addressed this topic.
He stated, “Using the pardon to excuse violations of the constitutional rights of others is problematic, but I am hesitant to read this limitation into the pardon power itself.”
A pardon is, in its essence, in tension with the rule of law. “I don’t see a moral means to differentiate between various underlying substantive offenses.”
As Michael Cohen continues to advocate for compassion, his case highlights the complexity and controversy of presidential clemency powers and their implications for individuals seeking redemption and absolution for past actions.
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