Today, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the convictions of former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife for honest services fraud, ruling that the instructions by the judge given to the jury were far too broad.
In a unanimous ruling, the justices ruled that “Because the jury was not correctly instructed on the meaning of “official act,” it may have convicted Governor McDonnell for conduct that is not unlawful.”
The government can choose to attempt to re-try the McDonnell and his wife, but given the time involved and the limited definition of “official act” they would have to work with, it is unlikely they will make the attempt, as it would be a futile effort.
You can read the entire ruling for yourself here.
10 comments
Interesting that some here in Virginia think this is a “victory” ?? Really ?? this guy sold influence knew what he was doing, did it multiple times for multiple rewards, money, loans, jewelry, and his wife instigated the contact, made the arrangements “bob would really like a rolex” and now you white-bread Republican aristocrats are rejoicing?? This guy is guilty as hell and you know it, and if you don’t you are morally bankrupt. Thank the Virginia legislatures for changing the laws, in response to Bob and Maureen’s corrupt actions . and Jeanine Martin, Just what are the McDonnell’s out from under? the consequences of their corruption?? You are a fool…
no coverage here about the TX abortion ruling? How unsurprising
Just wait SD. The SCOTUS was no more right in it’s majority “opinion” relative to this case than it was in 1973, or has been ever since then not only creating a fiat right but also sustaining it repeatedly over the years while sublimating an “inalienable” one (to life itself) at the same time. I can only hope that the people of Texas (and every other state), along with their state legislature and governor will actually rely on the 9th and 10th amendments to say so, and nullify this senseless decision.
The court also read Judge Spencer the riot act on how any retrial is to proceed. “If the court below determines that there is
sufficient evidence for a jury to convict Governor McDonnell of committing or agreeing to commit an “official act,”
his case may be set for a new trial. If the court instead determines that the evidence is insufficient, the charges against him must be dismissed. We express no view on
that question.”
“No view” really? Then tell me please, how many of the justices claiming no opinion on the evidence presented in this case actually owe their appointment to SCOTUS in the first place, in whole or in part to probably the most corrupt political organization since Tammany Hall: the Clinton Foundation and political machine?
Good news! The McDonnell’s are finally out from under this!
The criminal jeopardy is over, but, unfortunately, they’ll never be totally out from under this. This whole obviously political prosecution makes me very angry.
Exoneration and release from the lower court’s findings is nonetheless something to celebrate at this time and the first step I hope to restoration and reconciliation of a good man’s name and reputation. As such, Kudos as well are in order to the McDonnell legal team for all their efforts.
Fool, they destroyed the trust placed in them, and they are guilty as hell
These people destroyed the trust placed by voters and citizens of Virginia, you must have totally bankrupt values if you think this was anything other than revelations about the corruptions of two pretty sneaky, and hypocritical persons who happened to wield political influence and power. They fooled us, never again will that happen..