Power of Pardon: Should ANY POTUS have the power to pardon themselves?

2018-06-04T13:35:35-04:00

The CinC has weighed in on the matter as well. Do you support the CinC's analysis and conclusion that any POTUS has the "absolute right" to pardon themselves?

I'm also curious as to the justifications, logic behind, and implications of the answers.

**AGAIN** This is not specific to President Trump, but it is relevant to any conversation because, as CinC, his opinion should carry some weight. And if it's on the boss's mind, shouldn't it also be on ours?

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 4 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-06-04T13:42:48-04:00

Quora -

Article II Section 2 of the Constitution states that: "The President . . . shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment."

So for the most part no, the President’s power to pardon does not have many limitations. If the President tried to pardon himself from his own impeachment that would be overturned since it’s not lawful, and if for some reason he tried to pardon a murderer on Texas death row that would be overturned since that crime would be under state, not federal jurisdiction. Also in the court case United States v. Wilson it was ruled that a pardon is only good if it is accepted, it cannot be forced onto a criminal hellbent on refusing the pardon.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 4 at 2018 2:23 PM

2018-06-04T14:23:10-04:00

Don't know enough about the legal aspects but from a common sense standpoint the ability to pardon oneself would be inappropriate as it would make a person beyond the reach of the judiciary system.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 4 at 2018 6:04 PM

2018-06-04T18:04:15-04:00

Is he buddies with King Henry VIII?

Response by Cpl Bibich Zabaleta made Jun 4 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-06-04T18:51:55-04:00

The minute one in power has the power to be absolutely above our laws and constitution it is no longer a republic of the people but a republic of one!

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Aug 28 at 2019 10:26 PM

2019-08-28T22:26:49-04:00

Nope!