I respect the jury's verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby's sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bush commutes Libby's prison sentence believing it was excessive despite respecting the verdict.
- In plain terms
- He agrees with the guilty verdict but thinks prison time was too long.
- What can you take from it?
- Presidential clemency can correct perceived sentencing issues.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When to commute sentences?
- Who judges fairness?
Another view
Commutations can undermine judicial authority.
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