TRUMP GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS -Dershowitz

2 Comments / 2 Comments

1. Trump conviction resembles Rome in 50 AD — except that Donald Trump has no army:

   https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1796553762032820497.html

   in 50 BC, Julius Caesar was a Proconsul.
   Caesar’s enemies – Cato and friends – were publicly vowing to prosecute Caesar when his term ended
   Caesar had been a successful general for nearly 10 years, conquered all of Gaul
   Cato claimed they had 10 years worth of crimes to prosecute him for.
   In Rome, an office holder was immune from prosecution while holding office

   A consul could not be prosecuted during his 1 year term
   Same for a “proconsul” = a consul w/ term extended, usually serving as a general or provincial governorCaesar wanted to run for Consul again, to renew his immunity.
   Unfortunately, to run for consul in Rome, you have to lay down your proconsular office & enter the city.
   Caesar would have to become a private citizen in Rome for several months
   (Plenty of time for a prosecution)
   Caesar asked the authorities for an exception – to “run in absentia”
   (in recognition of his achievements on behalf of Rome)
   Thus he could keep immunity over the transition to new office

   In 52, a law was passed to allow this
   But by 50, Caesar’s enemies had unwound the law.
   Cato & Friends now forced Caesar into a dilemma:
   Either
   a) Lay down your office & face prosecution,
   OR
   b) start a Civil War

   (in 50, Caesar’s legal term of office was expiring)
   Cato & Friends drew Rome’s other greatest leader, Pompey, onto their side
   Caesar tried to negotiate
   Pompey dug in his heels
   Ultimatums were issued.
   They all thought Caesar would back down.
   Caesar took the Nuclear Option and crossed the Rubicon in January, 49 BC
   (The Rubicon River was the boundary of Caesar’s province: crossing it amounted to a declaration of war)

2. Not a fountain of cheer, is it?