From The Marshall Project:
Donald J. Trump was convicted last week of falsifying records to cover up accusations of a sexual liaison with adult film actress Stormy Daniels before his 2016 presidential campaign. A jury found him guilty on all 34 counts. The former president is now among millions of Americans with criminal records.
Trump’s views on the criminal justice system have swung widely over the years. He notoriously championed the conviction of the Central Park Five. He has twice campaigned on “law and order,” securing the support of several police unions. And he signed several executive orders to “fight crime, gangs and drugs.” During his presidency, Trump styled himself as a reformer hoping to improve a broken system. He signed the First Step Act, which shortened some excessive federal prison sentences and improved prison conditions. And he pardoned many of his political allies, including former Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
As his own legal troubles mounted, Trump criticized the system as politically biased and corrupt. While opponents see politics behind Trump’s attacks on the system, the former president has highlighted a core critique echoed by millions of Americans with criminal records: It is profoundly unfair and biased. We asked a handful of currently and formerly incarcerated people — some convicted of white-collar crimes, others of violent crimes — to reflect on what his conviction means for the country and how it compares to their experiences. Many grappled with what it really means to receive a fair trial. These responses are written in their own words, but The Marshall Project has condensed some for clarity. Continue reading >>>
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