[Fresh Wind]

That memo was classified as "confidential" — the lowest classification level — after Comey sent the information.

If this is true, then at best the case would have been weak, and a conviction would in no way be assured.

A confidential classification is pretty close to meaningless. I doubt anyone has ever been tried and convicted for releasing a confidential document. It would be a justification for disciplinary action or firing, which is exactly what happened to Comey.

[jazminerose]

You’re right. Here is the actual statue.

If convicted, he would get a fine *or* no more than one year in prison, plus removal.

I can’t imagine a first time offender getting prison time without a showing that some pretty severe harm was done; like something was blown up.

Comey is a multimillionaire. He has enough loose change on his nightstand to pay the fine.

And for that, the media would portray Saint Cardinal Comey as a martyred victim of political persecution.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1905

[SkyPilot]

A confidential classification is pretty close to meaningless.

That's simply not true. Confidential is classified information. There are three categories: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. Within those, there are also special designations, such as NOFORN, SCI, and other restrictive classifications.

Confidential doesn't mean some Twitter meme that all cutesy.

If a military SSgt, 1Lt, or civilian working for the Dept of Defense leaked a Confidential document to the media, the military folks would be court martialed, and the civilian employee fired and brought up on charges of Espionage.

I guarantee it.

[Mr. K]

BEFORE OBAMA/HILLIARY/COMET ET AL THERE WAS *NEVER* THIS CONCEPT OF CLASSIFYING A DOCUMENT AFTER IT'S RELEASED INTO THE PUBLIC.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? ASK PEOPLE TO FORGET THEY SAW IT?