Oct 16, 2019 - Politics & Policy

N.Y. Gov. Cuomo signs law targeting presidential pardon power

Fadel Allassan

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Wednesday allowing the state to prosecute people who have been pardoned by the president, a move viewed as a "direct shot at President Donald Trump," and the Trump Organization, NBC News writes.

Why it matters: The law — effective immediately — closes what proponents describe as a loophole. New York prosecutors can now pursue criminal charges against individuals associated with the president and pardoned for similar federal offenses. "Multiple ex-Trump aides or associates are imprisoned or facing legal scrutiny in New York," NBC notes.

But, but, but: The new law applies to future and past cases for those who have not hit specific milestones in the judicial process, such as entering a plea or the swearing in of the first juror. That means individuals, such as former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, would not be subject to new charges.

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N.Y. Gov. Cuomo signs law targeting presidential pardon power

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