Thursday, December 09, 2010
Brian Aitken update
A couple of weeks ago we called upon Governor Awesome (i.e., New Jersey's Governor Chris Christie) to free Brian Aitken, an honest man who ran afoul of New Jersey's ridiculous gun regulation. Governor Christie has now spoken on the subject for (I believe) the first time, and has said he will decide by Christmas:
Glenn Reynolds is on the case.
9 Comments:
By 
, at
Thu Dec 09, 07:46:00 PM:
The Wheels of Justice turn slowly, but they turn.
By , at
Thu Dec 09, 10:16:00 PM:
Now we'll see. You know those corrupt prosecutors and LEOs are going to be spinning their case like mad. They do not want to be overturned or overruled. Let's see how smart Christie really is.
By 
Dustin, at
Thu Dec 09, 11:03:00 PM:
I sure think there's enough info available right now for a pardon, but I don't have a state to govern.
I think it's a positive sign that Christie isn't knee-jerking. A pardon is forever, and he's justified to take a few days to think this over.
I think I'm justified in expecting and even demanding a pardon in this case, but I know how stories can be twisted and I respect Christie for being diligent.
By Kaz, at
Fri Dec 10, 12:08:00 AM:
There are some pretty high stakes for Christie on this, if he pardons him and then he goes out and commits any sort of violent crime then Cristie can kiss goodbye any hopes of going on to higher office, and maybe even re-election.
But on the other hand I for one will entertain serious reservations, unless there are facts unknown, about any bid for national office that Christie might attempt down the road. This is a litmus test issue for a lot of gun rights supporters.
In my own state of Washington, Aitkin could have been driving with an loaded gun strapped to his thigh without a permit, and not violated any laws, as long as it was in plain site.
By , at
Fri Dec 10, 12:51:00 AM:
Wouldn't a legal pardon require an admission of guilt and acceptance of responsibility? The pesky problem of being actually innocent ....
By jayemarr, at
Fri Dec 10, 04:49:00 AM:
Wrong: you cannot have a loaded weapon inside a moving car in Washington without a carry permit. Don't try it. (Outside the car you may still be arrested but the charges will not stick.)
As for this guy in NJ, it sounds very much like he should receive a pardon. But the Governor has to do due diligence.
By John Thacker, at
Fri Dec 10, 10:06:00 AM:
Anonymous:
There are several types of pardons/clemency available. You can see a list on the sidebar here.
There are some that completely clear a record, before or after conviction, and some that don't.
By DJMoore, at
Fri Dec 10, 12:38:00 PM:
Christie's diffidence here is a bit disconcerting. he sounds, not quite mealy-mouthed, but more unsure of himself than usual, and I think more than simply having not reviewed the case yet.
Christie actually looks a bit blind-sided, but at least he's promised a quick review. For good or bad, Christie knows how to decide.
By , at
Sun Dec 12, 09:38:00 PM:
Would bet Aitken will never see his guns again and will forever be a disqualified person even if the charges are reduced. (gun crime you know) A pardon doesn't equal 'not guilty'.
