INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF JURISTS WRITES TO U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN TO WITHDRAW REMARKS ON POLITICAL INTERFERENCE IN JUSTICE SYSTEM
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF JURISTS WRITES TO U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN TO WITHDRAW REMARKS ON POLITICAL INTERFERENCE IN JUSTICE SYSTEM
December 4, 2024 − The President of the International Council of Jurists, Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, has written to U.S. President Joe Biden expressing concern over the remarks made in Biden’s pardon letter for his son, Mr. Hunter Biden. Dr. Aggarwala takes exception to Biden’s suggestion that ‘raw politics’ has entered the U.S. justice system.
In his letter, Dr. Aggarwala acknowledges that the U.S. Constitution grants the President the power to pardon, a right that extends to all, including Hunter Biden. However, he emphasizes that the President’s statement undermines the integrity and authority of the judicial system by implying political interference without evidence.
“An incumbent President must be cautious in making statements that could diminish the dignity of the courts and the justice system,” Dr. Aggarwala wrote, adding that the claim of ‘raw politics’ entering the justice system has not been substantiated by any public debate or evidence.
Dr. Aggarwala further stresses the importance of maintaining the independence of the judiciary, pointing out that while political issues may come and go, the justice system is the cornerstone of public trust. He urges President Biden to retract the comments in order to protect the global reputation and dignity of justice systems worldwide.
In conclusion, Dr. Aggarwala respectfully requests that President Biden withdraw the allegations made in his pardon letter, emphasizing the need to preserve the integrity of the justice system for the benefit of all.
(Dr. Adish C Aggarwala) 4.12.2024.
(Copy of Letter sent to Mr Joe Biden published here for reference)
Hon’ble Mr. Joe Biden,
Hon’ble President of the United States of America,
Washington DC.
Dear Mr. President,
Congratulations on your successful completion of tenure which is drawing to a close in the next few weeks.
However, I, being the President of the International Council of Jurists, take exception to your reference to the entry of ‘raw politics in justice system’ in your pardon letter for your own son Mr. Hunter Biden.
Sir, the Constitution of the United States of America, just as any other modern democracy, does bestow certain degree of inherent sovereign power and jurisdiction on its President to pardon. Be it a turkey or Mr. Hunter, everyone deserves and has the right to enjoy the benefits of this power.
While much of your letter talks about how your Congress rivals orchestrated something and made Mr. Hunter, a target and how his case was handled differently than others, what strikes Bar leaders like me, is the poor reference to justice system of your own country.
First of all, an incumbent President shall not say or do anything that would undermine the dignity and authority of courts and justice delivery system.
Secondly, a casual remark that ‘raw politics’ has entered the justice system has been made without any evidence or without any such debate or opinion expressed in public in the past.
Sir, while appreciating the political context under which your good self has taken this decision to offer Presidential Pardon to your son, it is our duty to remind you to discharge your constitutional duties without stepping on the toes of the hallowed constitutional entity like courts and justice system.
While politicians, political issues, and solutions, come and go, justice delivery system is the bedrock of people’s faith in courts. The system is there forever and for all. It should not be harmed.
I, therefore, humbly request your goodself to withdraw the imputation made in your Pardon Letter against the justice system of your own country. It will do a world of good to the image and dignity of justice delivery system all over the world.
Thank you,
Yours sincerely,
(Dr. Adish C Aggarwala)