By Colin Alexander ——Bio and Archives--June 4, 2024

Cover Story | CFP Comments | Reader Friendly | Subscribe | Email Us

Whatever one thinks of former President Donald Trump, his criminal trial violates the principle established for Anglo-American jurisprudence by England’s Lord Chief Justice Hewart(1): “A long line of cases shows that it is not merely of some importance but is of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.”

It’s become normal both in Canada and the US for judges to preside over cases despite having a connection that should disqualify them, Trump’s argument had merit, that insistence on the Democrat stronghold of Manhattan as the venue for his trial was unfair. And the assignment of Acting Justice Juan Merchan(3) to hear his case may reasonably be said to be corrupt. The first section of the US Judicial Code(2) says: “Any justice, judge, or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned.”

Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik(4) says Justice Merchan contributed to the Democrat campaign in 2020. Also, his daughter, Loren Merchan(5), is heavily involved in Democrat politics through her work as head of the consulting firm Authentic Campaigns. Stefanik says her firm stood to profit greatly from Trump’s conviction. So, one may presume bias against Trump. He speaks, therefore, of a witch hunt with some justification.

While 34 charges against Trump(6) make a long list, each one is just a separate piece of the money trail. The charge was that money was paid to porn star Stormy Daniels(7) to keep her........

© Canada Free Press