You cannot be tried or convicted of a crime before you commit it

[Xipe Totec]

So why should you be allowed to pardon anyone for a crime that hasn't been charged or tried?

If we don't charge these bastards until after Trump leaves office, he should not be allowed to pardon them before then.

[FBaggins]

1. I'm afraid that doesn't follow

Both revolve around whether the crime has been committed.

A president can’t pardon someone for future crimes... but he doesn’t have to wait for charges to be brought

[Xipe Totec]

3. Says who?

[customerserviceguy]

4. As I recall

Ford pardoned Nixon before either any criminal charges. Even impeachment had not yet been voted on by the House, although the pardon power does not extend to impeachment.

[Xipe Totec]

6. All true, but that does not answer the question. nt

[FBaggins]

7. The Constitution

Perhaps you’ve heard of it?

From the Civil War era case ex parte Garland:

“extends to every offense known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.”

[abqtommy]

2. The nazis will do it...

[Iggo]

5. But you can be pardoned before you're formally charged, or tried, or convicted.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pardon_of_Richard_Nixon