***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. We rely on the financial support of our readers to exist. Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! If you’ve ever used the phrase “Fake News” — now YOU can actually DO something about it! You can also support us on PayPal at [email protected] or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at: PO Box 112 Sioux Center, IA 51250

Robert Pratt, a senior U.S. District Judge of the Southern District of Iowa, made waves earlier this week when he criticized President Donald J. Trump for his pardons.

Pratt reportedly called President Trump “a criminal.”

“It’s not surprising that a criminal like Trump pardons other criminals,” Pratt told The Associated Press Monday.

Pratt added: “But apparently to get a pardon, one has to be either a Republican, a convicted child murderer or a turkey.”

A Clinton appointment, Pratt has served on the bench since 1997.

Trump’s pardons aren’t pretty, but Presidential pardons late in a term rarely are.

According to the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges, judges should respect and comply with the law and act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

Does calling President Trump, the sitting U.S. President, ” a criminal” despite no known criminal convictions reflect integrity and impartiality of the judiciary?

It certainly seems inappropriate for a federal judge to make a statement. But it’s difficult to imagine the media doing anything other than embracing Pratt’s words when Americans of all stripes should instead be concerned about a judge calling any American a “criminal” who hasn’t been convicted of a crime.

Author: Jacob Hall

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here