A felony, as described by Associate Justice Clarence Thomas in a 1994 Supreme Court opinion, is considered a severe stigma that affects millions of Americans today. Recently, Donald J. Trump was found guilty of 34 felonies in a Manhattan court, raising the question of how this label will impact him moving forward, especially considering his previous role as the President of the United States.
President Biden appears to believe that this felony conviction will tarnish Trump’s reputation. Throughout his campaign and during the first presidential debate, Biden has repeatedly referred to Trump as a “convicted felon.” In a campaign ad titled “Character Matters,” Trump is portrayed as a “convicted criminal” who is self-serving, with the felony convictions supposedly revealing his true nature.
The term “felon” carries a historical weight of 900 years, originating from the harsh punishments and discrimination prevalent during the Middle Ages. However, its definition is vague, as it is based solely on the severity of the punishment rather than the specific crime committed. Essentially, a felon is anyone convicted of a crime punishable by a year or more in prison, as outlined by the Justice Department.
Contrary to popular belief, felonies do not exclusively involve violent crimes like murder. In many cases, felonies, including those committed by individuals like Trump and Hunter Biden, can stem from actions such as falsifying official documents. This discrepancy between public perception and legal definitions highlights the broad scope of what constitutes a felony.
Overall, Trump’s felony convictions have sparked discussions about the implications of such a label on his future endeavors. As the public awaits the outcome of this situation, it remains to be seen whether Trump can overcome the tarnish of the “felon” label and seek redemption after 900 years of historical shame associated with it.
