NEW YORK CITY—New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan on Jan. 10 gave President-elect Donald Trump an unconditional discharge in his sentencing in the business records case.
It’s a largely symbolic sentence that means that Trump does not face any penalties beyond having a conviction entered in his legal record. Merchan declined to impose any term of imprisonment or fines. Instead, he chastised Trump for his conduct.
“It is the legal protections afforded to the office of the president of the United States that are extraordinary, not the occupant,” Merchan said as Trump listened during a virtual appearance.
The hearing occurred just 10 days before Trump’s scheduled inauguration on Jan. 20, at which time he will receive constitutional protection against additional lawsuits. For years, Trump has been dogged by legal battles, including the business records case over which Merchan presided, as well as three other criminal prosecutions....
