[Forbo]

> "I forgot" is generally not a valid defense.

The number of times that people invoke "I don't recall" while giving testimony under oath says otherwise.

[LanceH]

When they start applying these standards to politicians, then I'll be ok with it trickling down the people.

[incompatible]

It's really a different situation. The ruling party is basically above the law in the US, thanks to presidential pardons and control of the impeachment process.

[LanceH]

Sure. It's a false hypothesis, so it will never happen, and I can consistently say that I'll never be ok with this being applied to the people.

[1000units]

You're halfway to an important insight, but your partisanism is blinding.

[gamblor956]

We're talking about two very different things.

And for the record, a defendant claiming "they forgot" something within their control is valid circumstantial evidence of guilt or responsibility.

When claimed by the police or prosecution witness, it's just as much valid evidence against guilt, and has been used many times to get defendants off.

Basically, it's valid circumstantial evidence against the party/side that makes the claim of forgetfulness.