Donald Trump Promises Pardons for Capitol Rioters
Former President Donald Trump has vowed to pardon his supporters who were charged, convicted, or imprisoned for their roles in the January 6 Capitol attack. This pledge has raised concerns about the extent of his pardon power.
Limitations on Presidential Pardons
A report by Protect Democracy, titled Checking the Pardon Power: Constitutional Limitations & Options for Preventing Abuse, outlines scenarios where a presidential pardon may not be valid. The report questions the legitimacy of using pardons for offenses against the United States.
Trump’s Commitment to Free Rioters
Trump has repeatedly promised to release Capitol rioters, including those convicted of assaulting police officers during the insurrection. He has labeled them as “horribly treated” and described them as political prisoners persecuted for their support.
Controversy Surrounding Pardons
Legal experts and activists are alarmed at the prospect of Trump returning to the White House and using pardons to reward loyalty. Past instances, like pardoning associates who refused to cooperate in criminal probes, have raised concerns about the misuse of the president’s pardon authority.
Historical Precedents on Pardons
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Burdick v United States and historical restrictions on royal prerogative of mercy in English law demonstrate the limitations on presidential pardon power. These precedents suggest that pardoning January 6 rioters could face constitutional constraints.
Protect Democracy’s Advocacy
Grant Tudor, a policy advocate at Protect Democracy, emphasizes that there are legal precedents that challenge the notion of unlimited pardon authority for the president. The idea of a leader of an insurrection pardoning fellow insurrectionists raises constitutional concerns.
Read More of this Story at ca.news.yahoo.com – 2024-06-11 09:03:02
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