If you write “NOT BRIBE” on the cheek, it obviously CANNOT be a bribe.
I nominate this guy for SCOTUS
When can we start gifting them with bonfires as thanks for this change in law?
We taking your car or mine?
Openly corrupt assholes rule being openly corrupt very legal and very cool.
Yeah, that sounds about right.
I’ve posted this elsewhere but I hate this so: A “donation” up front says I’ll see what I can do, money after the fact says I’ll fight for you. Sounds like bribery to me. Not that the current system isn’t but backend feels so much worse
Who’s ready for a sit it?
SCOTUS has officially entered the sewage system courtesy of the GOP and Trump.
and Trump
Lol read up on Bush v. Gore in 2000.
Since long ago, my friend. Citizens United was a landmark in my opinion, although there are probably older rulings that showed how little they care about basic functionality in a democracy.
NOW is the proper time for Alito to hang his fucking flag upside down.
JFC.
It’s a GOOD THING none of these Justices ruling on the Legality of Bribery have EVER taken Bribes!
It’s not a bribe it’s a gift! But it sounds like they need to rewrite the law. Politicians shouldn’t be accepting gratuities, gifts, or bribes.
bro i thought this was an onion post for a second what the fuck just happened
Just yet ANOTHER consequence of Trump’s first term…
So is the difference “I’ll give you money to do this thing” versus “I’ll give you money if you do this thing”?
They both sound like bribes to me. Money, goods, or services are just handed over at different times.
I fucking hate these people. No shame. No morals. No humanity.
It’s a kickback. They just made kickbacks completely legal.
My interpretation of the article is that it’s a question of timing. If you offer me money in order to hook you up, that’s a bribe. But if I hook you up and later you give me money in thanks, that’s not a bribe.
Obviously both of them are corrupt. But apparently this law can only target the former.
No see the first one is a bribe, the second one is a job. I’m paying you for your time! /s
That was actually the argument made by the official in question. Called it a “consulting fee”.
This title is great lmao
Now the politicians want tips?!
Remember highest tipper gets to control the Domi.
Wait. I shouldn’t make that joke- sex work is way more honest.
Sounds like someone could use a little treat.
Posted this in another thread on the issue but worth saying again because most people see to be confused as to the actual implications of this ruling:
Although a gratuity or reward offered and accepted by a state or local official after the official act may be unethical or illegal under other federal, state, or local laws, the gratuity does not violate §666.
Tldr the ruling only was about in relation to one law. The party may be guilty of a form of corruption under a different law.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-108_8n5a.pdf
Read page 2 of the syllabus where it says “Held:” until page 4 if you want the shorter version.
Otherwise there’s a 16 page explanation under the “opinion of the court” section directly after the syllabus, for those who are interested in a longer explanation.
Can I get a teal deer for that tldr?
TLDR of the TLDR:
Court said the gov charged him with the wrong thing. Look for another charge, he’s probably screwed.
Except SCOTUS will just strike down the next one too. The modern court has never supported bribery charges that come before it.
Edit to add a quick history from the last 25 years.
Sun Diamond Growers - The government must prove the bribe is actually connected to the act.
Skilling - Corruption charges require a second party to give you a bribe or kickback, self dealing is fine.
Citizens United - Money is political speech, and you can spend as much as you want on an election.
McDonnell - Acting as a pay to play gatekeeper is fine. Even if the government connects the bribe to the act.
Ted Cruz - Politicians can keep unspent campaign funds as long as they maintain the fiction of having lent the campaign money.
Snyder - Kickbacks aren’t actionable. <- We are here.
