Mueller’s Scope of Investigation: Beyond the Election
Recently, questions have been raised about the scope and mandates of Michael Mueller’s investigation, particularly in relation to evidence of crimes committed by Donald Trump that are not directly related to the 2016 election. This article delves into the specifics of Mueller's charter, draws comparisons with prior investigations, and explores the potential legal avenues for pursuing such crimes.
A Strange Process
The investigation initiated by Mueller is quite unusual. Typically, a crime is committed, followed by an investigation. In this case, however, the focus is on the process of uncovering evidence rather than solving a specific crime. There is no pre-existing evidence to indicate a crime, yet the investigation is underway to seek out evidence of such crimes.
Investigation for the Investigation's Sake
It appears that Mueller is conducting this search for crimes to generate controversy and maintain public attention, much to the amusement of those who recognize the fabricated nature of the investigation. The tactic of creating a “special investigation” for crimes that are not directly connected to the election is a clear deviation from standard legal procedures. This approach highlights the focus on creating a narrative rather than achieving concrete results.
Beyond the Scope but Not Outside the Law
According to Mueller's charter, he is authorized to investigate any crimes that may arise while conducting his primary investigation. In practice, Mueller would delegate this task to a separate team to handle. Maintaining oversight, Mueller ensures that all discovered crimes, regardless of their relation to the initial investigation, are pursued diligently.
No Prosecution of the President
One important point to note is that the President of the United States, or in this case, Donald Trump, cannot be charged with a crime. This is due to the principle of separation of powers and the fact that the President is protected by the Constitution. To get around this, various legal mechanisms can be employed. For instance, if Trump were to resign prior to the conclusion of his investigation, a pardon could be issued immediately after to avoid any potential legal repercussions.
Potential Future Scenarios
For example, if January 19th, 2025 marked the end of Trump's second term, he could resign immediately and present a pre-prepared letter of resignation. Simultaneously, Vice President Pence could sign a presidential pardon at the same moment the resignation is accepted. This process would effectively avoid any legal challenges. The important aspect here is the speed and coordination needed to ensure no legal grounds for prosecution.
Conclusion
The investigation into crimes unrelated to the election is complex and multifaceted. Mueller's charter provides a legal framework for such investigations, but the process remains subject to scrutiny and debate. While such investigations may not lead to prosecution of the President, they can certainly contribute to increased public and media attention. Legal precedents also suggest that crimes, even those related to a broader investigation, remain subject to prosecution as long as evidence is present.
In summary, Mueller's mandate is clear, and while it may cross predefined boundaries, the legal process offers numerous avenues to address crimes, should they come to light.