As Epstein files release looms, question abound on what happens next: Possibilities are endless'

"As the clock ticks toward the congressionally mandated deadline of 19 December by which Donald Trump's justice department must release its files related to Jeffrey Epstein, there is intense speculation about the contents of these documents but also questions as to what happens when they are released. The US president on 19 November signed a bipartisan bill requiring that the US attorney general, Pam Bondi, disclose these documents to the US public within 30 days."

"Victims of Epstein and their advocates, including an overwhelming majority of Congress, have expressed hope that they will also learn why he was able to avoid meaningful prosecution for years despite numerous minors telling authorities that he abused them. Many also believe that these papers could lift the veil on more details of Trump's relationship with Epstein, as the president, who had been his friend before a falling out, is mentioned repeatedly in previously released communications."

"If Trump's justice department does comply with this law as Bondi has vowed it will experts and observers told the Guardian that the long-fought battle for transparency could prompt deep ramifications for those named in the files. These could range from severe ostracism to legal liability. Sam Bassett, a criminal defense attorney with the Austin, Texas, firm Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, explained that statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes in various states hav"

The Department of Justice must release files related to Jeffrey Epstein by 19 December under a bipartisan law signed by the president. The law requires US Attorney General Pam Bondi to disclose the documents to the public within 30 days. Anticipation exists that the records may name additional wealthy and powerful individuals and explain why Epstein avoided meaningful prosecution despite numerous minors reporting abuse. The papers may include further details of Epstein’s ties to the president, who denies wrongdoing and reversed prior opposition to the bill. Compliance could bring social ostracism and potential legal consequences, while varying statutes of limitations may limit prosecutions.

Read at www.theguardian.com