Pardon Definition
This article discusses the presidential pardon definition and explores the parameters of the pardon in order to shed some light on whether a President may, in fact, pardon himself or herself. Pardon Definition Pardon Definition – Dictionary The term “pardon” means to “excuse,” or give “forgiveness for a fault, offense, or discourtesy.” It comes from…
Read MorePresidential Clemency
The presidential clemency power is one of the most powerful tools a President can use. The presidential clemency power can be used for mercy and to instigate policy change. Clemency is defined as mercy or leniency. The presidential clemency power the President of the United States holds is extremely broad and powerful. Many powers the…
Read MoreExecutive Clemency
The executive clemency power is an extremely broad and powerful ability of a President and a governor. This power can be used to promote policies and to render mercy. Article 2, Section II of the Constitution states: “The President…shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases…
Read MoreThe Pardon of Nixon: Still Crazy After All These Years?
Introduction: Ford’s Pardon of Nixon On September 8, 1974, less than one month since taking office and declaring that the nation’s “long national nightmare is over,” President Gerald R. Ford, addressed the nation from the Oval Office. His speech would be the defining moment of Ford’s term in office. In a heartfelt, somber address, President…
Read MorePresidential Clemency Authority: What You Need to Know
Philip Vigol. Robert E. Lee. David Brown. John Fremont. Pierre Lafitte. Al Jennings. Samuel Mudd. Marc Rich. Patty Hearst. Jimmy Hoffa. Who were these people? Some of their names may be familiar to you, others completely unknown. They lived in different times, and were accused of or committed different crimes: treason, sedition, murder, bank robbery,…
Read MoreThe Presidential Pardon and the Constitution
According to Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, “The President…shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.” While this clause is relatively short compared to others in the Constitution, it gives enormous power to the President of the United States. While many of the President’s…
Read MoreThe History of the Presidential Pardon
The presidential pardon power derives from Britain and continued in the creation of the United States Constitution. The founders hoped this power would be a useful tool for a president to combat injustice. “…he shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” — Article II,…
Read MorePardoning State Crimes
The inability to pardon state crimes is one of the few restrictions imposed on the President of the United States. State governors hold the power to grant clemency to those convicted of state offenses. Difference Between the Pardoning of Federal and State Crimes Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the president the power…
Read MoreThe Meaning of a Reprieve
Many use the phrase “stay of execution” in lieu of the technical term reprieve. However, the meaning goes beyond just a “stay” and has transformed into a nuanced pardon power. The Pardon Power Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution grants the pardon power to the president. The president “shall have power to…
Read MoreSnowden’s Pardon Petition
Is he a hero or traitor; innocent whistleblower or guilty of treason? Edward J. Snowden sparked a controversy on intelligence gathering, use of technology to spy on Americans and foreigners alike, and the parameters of privacy in the United States today. His actions in revealing secret government documents serve as a milestone in the age-old…
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