Chicago Politician Loses Appeal Of Criminal Tax Conviction
I really question whether this case merited criminal treatment. It strikes me that Mr. Beavers was just a bit on the sloppy side. Unfortunately, the “Why me?” defense does not fly well in criminal trials.
Government Shutdown Does Not Convert Prison Time To Probation
What I like about this case is that the original sentencing decision is the type of thing I might have done if I were a judge. It calls to mind the case of Craig E. Braun, whose sentence for tax evasion was reduced to a fine in reaction to President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon. Apparently, the government did not bother to appeal that one.
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Over and over again courts have said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging one’s affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everybody does so, rich or poor; and all do right, for nobody owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands: taxes are enforced exactions, not voluntary contributions. To demand more in the name of morals is mere cant.