General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsEveryone is talking about pardons.
Will Trump try to pardon this person, can he pardon himself?
I am not a lawyer. If there is anyone here with real training and credentials please correct me.
As far as I understand the concept, you cannot pardon someone unless they have been convicted.
Right now, some of the terrorist/insurgents have been charged. No trials have been convened. Therefore, until the accused are given their verdicts in court, no one can possibly pardon them.
Now, I know that political clout and other means have been used in the past to get charges dropped in all kinds of situations. But, as far as I understand, no one can issue a pardon for a crime that has not yet been proved. I wish people would consider this point in these discussions about Trump pardoning his family, his cronies and his supporters.
Again, I am open to correction if I am wrong. But I would rather such correction come from someone with real information, not just people speculating. I understand the need to speculate. We're all worried, upset and scared. Speculation is a way of trying to prepare ourselves and feel more in control. It also makes us feel important and less like insignificant background players in this intense drama unfolding around us.
C_U_L8R
(45,002 posts)He'll use them as bargaining chips to reduce his punishments.
Airotciv60
(29 posts)Nixon was pardoned and was never indicted or convicted. So yes, a non-convicted person can be pardoned.
LeftInTX
(25,331 posts)Jimmy Carter pardoned all the draft dodgers. Andrew Johnson pardoned all of the confederates. Blanket pardons.
jcgoldie
(11,631 posts)Prior to charges or conviction.