Saying that “no one is above the law,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law on Wednesday that gives the state authority prosecute anyone accused of a crime in the New York even if they have received a presidential pardon, HuffPost reports:
The bill effectively closes a double jeopardy loophole that usually prevents individuals charged on the federal level from being prosecuted by a state for the same offense. The measure was written to specifically target former Trump administration officials who may receive a pardon, an idea the president has regularly suggested for aides who have run afoul of the law.
The New York law also means that any members of President Donald Trump’s staff or family who face legal jeopardy for federal crimes can still be indicted and prosecuted in The Empire State, even if given a full pardon by Trump.
In a statement released after he signed the legislation, Cuomo said:
“No one is above the law and New York will not turn a blind eye to criminality, no matter who seeks to protect them. The closure of this egregious loophole gives prosecutors the ability to stand up against any abuse of power, and helps ensure that no politically motivated, self-serving action is sanctioned under law.”
#BREAKING: I just signed legislation closing New York’s double jeopardy loophole, authorizing the state to prosecute individuals pardoned by a president.
No one is above the law and New York will not turn a blind eye to criminality, no matter who seeks to protect them.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) October 16, 2019
The law applies to all past and future offenses.
Earlier this year, New York Attorney General Tish James introduced the bill to allow for prosecutions of those pardoned. On Wednesday, she said the changes made will “ensure that individuals who commit crimes under New York state law are held accountable.”
This commonsense measure will provide a reasonable and necessary check on presidential power today and for all presidents to come. Thanks to @toddkaminsky & @assemblymanjoe for their partnership in addressing this critical issue.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) October 16, 2019
This commonsense measure will provide a reasonable and necessary check on presidential power today and for all presidents to come. Thanks to @toddkaminsky & @assemblymanjoe for their partnership in addressing this critical issue.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) October 16, 2019
24 states currently have laws that allow for prosecution of those who have been pardoned by a president.
Featured Image Via NBC News
