The US high court might make it harder for the government to crack down on public corruption, hinting on Wednesday a possible overturn on former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's federal bribery conviction.
According to Associated Press, on Wednesday's final argument, the Supreme Court will decide whether the conviction regarding the bribery case that former Gov. McDonnell faces can be overturned. The governor is known to have received more than $165,000 of gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman over promoting a dietary supplement. The court is expected to make a fundamental line that distinguishes bribery from the action routines that politicians perform as courtesy to constituents.
Yahoo reported that McDonnell insists on his role as merely setting up meetings and hosting events for the Star Scientific Inc. CEO Jonnie Williams was part of customary services doled out of by each a politician. He added that the government will put every politician in jeopardy for criminalizing 'everyday acts' that are part of their typical routine. He's guilty of hosting product launches for Williams but added that he never put any pressure to any officials to get Williams what he wanted.
However, the prosecutors continue their argument that McDonnell continued receiving personal benefits from the CEO "on the understanding that he would take official action to assist Williams in return." Previously, the federal appeals court in Virginia has unanimously upheld the conviction that he faces.
Daily Mail published that Williams loaned and gave the governor thousands in amount including a Rolex watch and a $20,000 designer clothes for McDonnell's wife. The CEO also gave them $15,000 to cater McDonnell's daughter and paid for trips and golfs for the family.
Since 2014, McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted with the governor to serve two years while his wife is set for a year and a day in prison. Right now, McDonnell is free while his appeal is being considered and his wife's appeal will follow depending on the Supreme Court's verdict on the former governor.
