– Sandy Burglar

[Mod Note; and didn’t he plead guilty?]

I guess Barbri’s Bar review books have it all wrong. snark.

It has been accepted that perjury in a civil matter regarding peripheral matter is not an impeachable offense.

I beg your pardon, when was this accepted? Eight years ago, if memory serves, a civil officer was impeached over exactly that.

The president has the power to pardon all of Libby’s offenses against the Uited States before, during, or after criminal trial. As well as the power to commute a sentence on any condition the President chooses, as long as they are not independently unconsititional – schick v. reed.

Though Congress can not limit the president’s pardon power, it can prevent the president from executing his pardon power. Congress may impeach any civil officer before or after they have resigned or have been pardoned.

The President would be barred from pardoning Libby if Congress were to impeach Libby before the President pardons him.

It has been accepted that perjury in a civil matter regarding peripheral matter is not an impeachable offense. But perjury in a criminal matter which is not a peripheral matter as in blocking a federal investigation into violations of federal statutes and other high ranking offical could very well be an impeachable offense.

Why impeach him after the pardon?
It prevents Libby from holding future civil office. It would allow further investigation into the Niger Forgeries, CIA Leak, Fitz’s investigation, and possible interference from other officals as well as damage done to national security as a result of the CIA leak and failed prosecution of higher ranking officals due to Libby’s perjury preventing further investigations, and also increased scrutiny of officals that escaped prosecution under Fitz’s intestigation. It also would mean witnesses galore including Fitz himself and the CIA.

The point here is Congress has the power. The reality is they lack the will.

These ReTHUGlicans are rotten to the core.

bmaz @ 129

nolo – Have you been baking any pastries?

erh — not yet. but do take a look!

proud pecan pie?

or humble apple pie?

we’ll soon know. . .

I never said Libby would be out pending appeal; quite the opposite, I always thought he would be remanded. I simply point out that he can address this in the Circuit Court in the time between now and the date he likely has to self surrender. The Circuit Court should affirm Walton, but we shall see what they really do.