The "Libby Defense" May Help Hamas Operative

Legal scholars warn of a wave of "Libby Motions" filed in the wake of President Bush granting Scooter Libby executive clemency.

In announcing his decision to commute Mr Libby's sentence, the president called the 30 month sentence for perjury and obstructing justice "too harsh" and commuted the sentence to probation and a fine.

A man anti-terrorism authorities believe is a Hamas operative is already poised to use the "Libby Defense." Mohammed Salah (pictured) was acquitted of racketeering in connection with Hamas terror campaigns in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.

But he faces sentencing on one count of obstructing justice.

Mr Libby was convicted on four counts.

"What the president said about Mr. Libby applies in spades to the case of Mohammed Salah," Michael Deutsch, Salah's defense attorney, to The New York Sun

Mr Salah's lawyer will argue that his client should only recieve probation -- based on the Libby commutation. (NYSun)

Libby Not out of Jail Yet

Scooter Libby may have to serve some time before his executive clemency kicks in.

The White House has been saying President Bush pretty much decided on his own to grant clemency to Mr Libby just hours after an Appeals Court panel ordered him to prison immediately.

Next time, the President may want a lawyer to read over his work before he fires it off.

The judge who sentenced Mr Libby to 30 months in jail on four felonies says the way the commutation was set up -- it can't take effect until after Mr Libby spends time behind bars.

“Strictly construed, the statute authorizing the imposition of supervised release indicates that such release should occur only after the defendant has already served a term of imprisonment,” US District Judge Reggie Walton, July 3rd Order on a potential legal flaw in Scooter Libby's Commutation

White House spokesman says Counsel Fred Fielding checked over Mr Bush's paperwork first -- and says he's sure the Walton Order won't stand up. (CNN)

Bush "Takes Care Of" Scooter

In granting executive clemency to Scooter Libby, President Bush kept a promise he made back in 2004 on the CIA Leak Investigation:

"If the person has violated law, that person will be taken care of." -- President Bush, February 10, 2004

Well, he sure "took care" of Scooter Libby. The former White House aide sure has been well taken care of -- avoiding 30 months in prison. (CNN)

Americans Oppose Clemency for Libby

Only 21% of Americans support President Bush's grant of executive clemency to Scooter Libby in a SurveyUSA instant poll, while 60% say Mr Libby should have served his 30 month sentence. Another 17% supported a full pardon. (SurveyUSA via PoliticalWire.com)

Reaction Roundup: The Scooter Clemency

"In this case, an experienced federal judge considered extensive argument from the parties and then imposed a sentence consistent with the applicable laws. It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals. That principle guided the judge during both the trial and the sentencing." - Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald.

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"Even Paris Hilton had to go to jail. No one in this administration should be above the law." - Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

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"How can we hold the line against injustices in other countries when our own executive branch deliberately sets out to smear its critics, lies about it and then wriggles away without having to pay the price in prison?" - Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA)

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"The prison sentence was overly harsh and the punishment did not fit the crime." - House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO)

Fitzgerald Challenges Bush on Libby

Special prosecutor Pat Fitzgerald challenges President Bush's claim that Scooter Libby's 30 month sentence was excessive.

"It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals." -- Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, statement on President Bush's grant of executive clemency to Scooter Libby

Mr Fitzgerald says Mr Libby was sentenced under the same laws as other convicted felons. (KOIN-TV)

Libby Escapes Prison

Scooter Libby has dodged his prison sentence. President Bush granted executive clemency to Mr Libby on Monday, just hours after a three judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for DC unanimously declared that Mr Libby should begin serving his 30 month sentence immediately while he appealed his case.

"I respect the jury's verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby's sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison." -- President Bush, Statement on granting executive clemency to Scooter Libby

Mr Libby will still have to pay $250,000 in fines. (White House)