Legal consequences of Hunter Biden's pardon

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By Caitlin Tremblay

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President Joe Biden and Hunter Biden, June 11, 2024. REUTERS/Anna Rose Layden

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden after repeatedly pledging not to. Here's a look at the circumstances leading up to the pardon and its legal consequences.

The facts — or legend — surrounding the so-called "cursed" 836-pound Bahia emerald sound straight out of a movie, with multiple parties claiming ownership of the 180,000-carat stone valued between $372 million and $920 million. Behind the drama is a serious legal fight pitting the rights of good-faith purchasers in the U.S. against the country of Brazil, which found that the emerald was illegally mined in 2001, then smuggled to the U.S. in 2005. In her latest column, Jenna Greene looks at why Brazil came out on top in the asset forfeiture battle.

Check out other recent pieces from our columnists: Alison Frankel and Jenna Greene

After Trump's win, his election denial movement marches on … Congress returns for final act before curtain rises on new Trump era … The French government faces collapse as left and far-right submit no-confidence motions. Here's what's next … Threatened by climate change, Panama Canal has big plans to combat drought … Notre-Dame Cathedral rises from the ashes … Chinese scientists rush to climate-proof potatoes … Elton John says he has lost his eyesight … And Reuters sent out 1.6 million pictures to the world in 2024. Here are some of the best.

caitlin.tremblay@thomsonreuters.com

@ctrembz

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