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Pardon Power

Rexedgar

Yo-Semite!
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It would seem that the President has near unlimited pardon power. I think the power to pardon should be more like real life as opposed to first person shooter games where the ammunition is unlimited. Pardons would be held closer and used sparingly.
 
It isn't near unlimited. It is absolute.
 
It isn't near unlimited. It is absolute.

^^^ This ^^^^ You beat me to it.

The pardon power of the President is a plenary power:
In United States constitutional law, plenary power is a power that has been granted to a body, or person, in absolute terms, with no review of, or limitations upon, the exercise of that power.

It's not surprising for people to not understand this based on the coverage I've seen, tonight especially, from CNN, MSNBC, and many others saying that the president has to get approval from the DOJ and others and go through some process to issue pardons. Although the Executive Branch has set up a system to vet applications pardon an clemency, the POTUS doesn't have to stay within that system. The system is only there to help the President weed out those that he may not think are deserving. The system in no way would prevent the President from issuing a pardon to anyone, even if the DOJ recommended that he not do so.
 
^^^ This ^^^^ You beat me to it.

The pardon power of the President is a plenary power:


It's not surprising for people to not understand this based on the coverage I've seen, tonight especially, from CNN, MSNBC, and many others saying that the president has to get approval from the DOJ and others and go through some process to issue pardons. Although the Executive Branch has set up a system to vet applications pardon an clemency, the POTUS doesn't have to stay within that system. The system is only there to help the President weed out those that he may not think are deserving. The system in no way would prevent the President from issuing a pardon to anyone, even if the DOJ recommended that he not do so.

Exactly, and the pardon by Trump simply demonstrates that Trump is every bit the moral midget that Bush was when he pardoned Libby. The US has been ruled by reprobates for a number of administrations.
 
Exactly, and the pardon by Trump simply demonstrates that Trump is every bit the moral midget that Bush was when he pardoned Libby. The US has been ruled by reprobates for a number of administrations.

Libby had his sentence commuted to time served, well below a full pardon, but why let facts ruin a your narrative. I'm sure Libby would have preferred to have all his rights restored and return of his $250,000 fine--in case you think they are the same thing.
 
Our government is built on a system of checks and balances. Executive clemency is part of this. Legislative Branch writes the laws which prescribes the sentences allowed. The Judicial Branch issues those sentences. The Executive Branch has the power to commute a sentence. This happens at the state and federal level. Parole is a form of executive clemency.
 
Libby had his sentence commuted to time served, well below a full pardon, but why let facts ruin a your narrative. I'm sure Libby would have preferred to have all his rights restored and return of his $250,000 fine--in case you think they are the same thing.

Since about 1990 I have known the difference between the two words, "pardon" and "commutation". Thanks anyway.

I'm wondering if Harshaw knows the differences between "de jure" and "de facto".
 
Exactly, and the pardon by Trump simply demonstrates that Trump is every bit the moral midget that Bush was when he pardoned Libby. The US has been ruled by reprobates for a number of administrations.

We can choose any President over the last couple hundred years and look at their pardons and find similar pardons. Yet, this country led by "reprobates" with our liberty and freedoms protected by our Constitution and laws, is far and away better than any other form of government that has or still does exist on this planet.
 
Since about 1990 I have known the difference between the two words, "pardon" and "commutation". Thanks anyway.

I'm wondering if Harshaw knows the differences between "de jure" and "de facto".

Well, seeing as how you used the wrong term for Libby, you can understand the confusion.
 
It would seem that the President has near unlimited pardon power. I think the power to pardon should be more like real life as opposed to first person shooter games where the ammunition is unlimited. Pardons would be held closer and used sparingly.

Pardons are used sparingly by U.S? Presidents, butnthe power is, as Harshaw says, absolute.

We have all learned so,thing very valuable. We have a president in the White House who is going to do what he thinks is right... damn the political cost. We've had very few of those.
 
If Trump can shuffle AG Sessions off into the sunset, I think Sheriff Joe is perfect for the next AG. If you're gonna thumb your nose at the "system", what could be better. Sarcasm intended!
 
Since about 1990 I have known the difference between the two words, "pardon" and "commutation". Thanks anyway.

I'm wondering if Harshaw knows the differences between "de jure" and "de facto".

Great, now you can stop equating them equally when it isn't appropriate. If you have an issue with another poster, take it up with them.
 
We have a president in the White House who is going to do what he thinks is right [popular with his base]... damn the political cost.

Not everyone views Trumps pardon of Arpaio similarly. Not even members of Trumps swamp...

Tillerson's comments defy anything we've seen

Rex is probably on his way out the Trump revolving door. His replacement at State? I'd put my money on Nikki Haley. She wouldn't say **** if she had a mouthful.

Very disappointing is the [lack of] response from Trumps generals (McMaster/Mattis/Kelly) in the West Wing. I though they were made of sterner stuff. Seems Flynn is the template.
 
Not everyone views Trumps pardon of Arpaio similarly. Not even members of Trumps swamp...

Tillerson's comments defy anything we've seen

Rex is probably on his way out the Trump revolving door. His replacement at State? I'd put my money on Nikki Haley. She wouldn't say **** if she had a mouthful.

Very disappointing is the [lack of] response from Trumps generals (McMaster/Mattis/Kelly) in the West Wing. I though they were made of sterner stuff. Seems Flynn is the template.

If altering my quote isn't a rule violation, it should be. I'll not report, but that isn't right.
 
It isn't near unlimited. It is absolute.

Actually it is not. If the power is used corruptly or to facilitate a crime - it is subject to having its user face a criminal penalty.

Remember that crazy Governor of Illinois who could name anybody he wanted to for the Illinois Senate vacancy? He is in prison because he used his power corruptly.
 
If Trump can shuffle AG Sessions off into the sunset, I think Sheriff Joe is perfect for the next AG. If you're gonna thumb your nose at the "system", what could be better. Sarcasm intended!

Its a match made in heaven.

Or maybe that other place.
 
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