Pardon

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

A federal pardon is a power granted to the president of the United States under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution that allows the president the power to, "grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." This means presidents can pardon federal crimes but not state crimes. The pardon power, also known as clemency, allows the president to pardon all federal criminal offenses, except those related to impeachment. Acts of clemency encompass amnesty, reprieves, commutations, and pardons—the most extensive form of relief. A full pardon absolves the individual from punishment and reinstates their civil rights, such as the right to vote, run for office, and serve on a jury. According to the Office of the Pardon Attorney at the Department of Justice, a pardon removes a person's conviction and sentence, while a commutation reduces the sentence but does not remove the conviction.

Example

 
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Questions

  1. What does pardon mean?

  2. What is the difference between a pardon and a commutation?

  3. Explain whether a pardon is a check on the judicial branch?

  4. What are the primary arguments for and against presidential pardons?

  5. To what kind of crime does a presidential pardon not apply?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw pardon. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

AI Gangsta Rap about Pardons

Presidential Pardon (Gangsta Rap)

Yo, check it, I'm the Prez, got the power to erase,

Crimes disappear, like a magician's ace.

Presidential pardon, that's my decree,

Forgiveness flows, sets the guilty free.

From the White House, I drop the hammer,

Felons rejoice, no more legal stammer.

Clemency granted, a fresh new start,

Past mistakes forgiven, a brand new heart.

But don't get it twisted, it ain't for the weak,

Gotta be worthy, before I speak.

Justice tempered with mercy, that's my flow,

Second chances given, watch the redemption grow.

Some call it politics, some call it right,

But I call it power, shining bright.

Presidential pardon, it's my prerogative,

Changing lives, that's how we live.

So if you're seeking a clean slate,

Knock on my door, it might be fate.

Presidential pardon, it's the ultimate flex,

Justice served, with no regrets.

GoPo Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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