OTTAWA — The bribery provision used to criminally charge Sen. Mike Duffy carries a high threshold of proof because prosecutors will have to show he intended to behave corruptly, legal experts say.
The formidable bar might also help explain why the other party in the transaction — Nigel Wright, the prime minister’s former chief of staff — does not face a bribery charge.
The RCMP have laid 31 charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery against Duffy — many of them connected to expense claims for housing and travel.
The bribery charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, relates to a $90,000 payment Duffy received from Wright to help cover expenses.
The RCMP said in April that Wright would not be charged.
Wright said at the time he intended to secure the repayment of taxpayer funds, and that he believed his actions were lawful and in the public interest.