United States | Guilty as charged

Hunter Biden’s criminal conviction is good for nobody politically

The trial showed the ruin of addiction, and the wheels of justice turning

US President Joe Biden hugs his son Hunter Biden upon arrival at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, on June 11th 2024
Photograph: Getty Images
|CHICAGO

Last year almost 16m guns were sold in the United States. According to a government survey, 16% of adults have used marijuana in the past month. People buying a gun must fill in a seven-page federal form. Question 21f asks: “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana” (or any other illegal drug)? Almost certainly hundreds of thousands of people lie on the form, which is a felony. In a typical year, fewer than 300 are prosecuted.

Explore more

This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Guilty as charged”

The rise of Chinese science: Welcome or worrying?

From the June 15th 2024 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from United States

Kamala Harris introduces “Coach” Tim Walz, her trusty running-mate

As Republicans seek to brand their rivals as dangerously liberal, Democrats are matching Donald Trump’s public displays of enthusiasm

Why Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz as her running-mate

Compared with a bolder but more divisive alternative, the Minnesota governor was the easier choice


Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump in our nationwide poll tracker

It is the first lead for a Democratic contender since October 2023


Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history

Her triumphant comeback at the Paris Olympics confirms her as also one of the most popular

Why do conservatives in America love Zyn?

A nicotine pouch has stimulated America’s young men—and the culture wars