Re: [OT] Murder in New York

On 15/12/24 05:16, Paul S Person wrote:

On Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:52:43 GMT, scott@slp53.sl.home (Scott Lurndal)
wrote:

Paul S Person <psperson@old.netcom.invalid> writes:

snip

Bribing a public official is a crime in most jurisdictions.

You haven't been paying attention.    The Supreme Court recently
ruled that a 'gift' after the fact isn't a bribe.

And the SC is correct -- it's not a bribe, it's a kickback [1].
[1] Provided that there was no prior agreement involved, as the
promise of the payment preceding awarding the contract (or whatever)
would make it a bribe. But no mention was made of such an agreement.

Correction. There was no evidence of prior agreement. Corruption is
legal if there is nothing more than circumstantial evidence of prior
agreement.

(  https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-108_8n5a.pdf )

In summary a bribe is organised and paid prior to some desired behaviour
so the court determined that any post-facto payments are simply
gratuities and therefore not illegal.
A small town mayor, Snyder, asked for $13,000 from a company AFTER it
was awarded a town contract, was convicted but now absolved by the
Supreme Court of which some members have received substantial benefits
from billionaire friends whose interests they protect and assist being
similar to their own.