Last Friday, Donald J. Trump got off easy. Judge Juan M. Merchan gave him an unconditional discharge, a rare and lenient decision in New York courts. This means Trump won't have to follow any strict rules or pay back any money, unlike a conditional discharge.
Why did this happen? Well, Judge Merchan had hinted at this outcome in his 18-page decision last week. He wanted to wrap up the case quickly, saying an unconditional discharge was the best way.
Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts for lying about business records to hide a sex scandal. He could have faced probation or even four years in prison. But Judge Merchan didn't see fit to send him to jail.
This decision raised some eyebrows. Experts say the judge had plenty of reasons to consider sending Trump to prison. So, why the leniency? It's a question many are asking.
