The Supreme Court discarded the Conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. McDonnell, a rising star in Republican politics, was accused on federal corruption charges in 2014. He was found guilty of violating the law when he received, gifts, money and loans from Jonnie R. Williams, the CEO of a Virginia-based company.

The case centered around the question of what initiates the scope of “Official action” under federal corruption law. Chief Justice John Roberts has written, “In sum, an 'official act' is a decision or action on a 'question, matter, cause, suit, proceeding or controversy. Setting up a meeting, talking to another official, or organizing an event (or agreeing to do so) ,without more, does not fit that definition of an official act." He added, "There is no doubt that this case is distasteful; it may be worse than that. But our concern is not with tawdry tales of Ferraris, Rolexes, and ball gowns. It is instead with the broader legal implications of the government's boundless interpretation of the federal bribery statute. A more limited interpretation of the term 'official act' leaves ample room for prosecuting corruption, while comporting with the text of the statute and the precedent of this court."

McDonnell expressed his relief, "heartfelt gratitude to the justices of the United States Supreme Court for the time and attention they have given to the law in my case,” on Monday. He also stated, "From the outset, I strongly asserted my innocence before God and under the law. I have not, and would not, betray the sacred trust the people of Virginia bestowed upon me during 22 years in elected office."

By Prakriti Neogi