The federal judge in California has agreed to terminate the tax case against Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, upon receipt of the formal pardon. However, the judge expressed doubts about the president’s assertion that his son was unfairly treated.
In a five-page order issued on Dec. 3, U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi criticized certain aspects of the White House statement announcing the pardon for Hunter Biden. He also questioned Hunter Biden’s method of alerting the court about the pardon by sending a link to a press release instead of providing the actual pardon document.
President Biden claimed in the press release that Hunter Biden was unfairly targeted due to his relationship with the president. However, the judge noted that two federal judges rejected this argument and raised concerns about the scope of the presidential pardon power.
The judge emphasized that a press release does not constitute a pardon and highlighted potential issues with the retroactive application of the pardon to conduct that had not yet occurred. He stated that the court would terminate the case upon formal receipt of the pardon and vacated the sentencing hearing in the meantime.
Hunter Biden had pleaded guilty to federal tax charges and was facing additional charges related to lying about his drug use and illegal possession of a gun. President Biden granted him a full pardon for all offenses committed between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 1, 2024.
The judge’s decision to terminate the case aligns with the president’s pardon, bringing an end to the legal proceedings against Hunter Biden. Please rewrite this text.
Source link
