Wednesday, July 26, 2017

The Powers of a Pardon
This past Saturday Donald Trump made a tweet assuming that everyone knows that he has full power when it comes to a presidential  pardon. This tweet was inspired by the Washington Post article that accused Donald trump of asking his fellow advisers if he can pardon himself and fellow family members. This has sparked many legal experts to question whether or not Donald Trump can pardon himself. The Constitution clearly states in Article II of impeachment pardons that the President has the ability to,” Grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except  in cases of impeachment.” Thus, the president cannot pardon himself or herself from anything that can involve them  getting impeach, but does that mean they can pardon themselves from other crimes? Law Professor Jonathan Turley from George Washington University believes that the Constitution does not bar itself from one pardoning themselves, however, it should. Turley believes that if Trump pardons himself that he is acting within the expressed language of the Constitution. It also seems a little coincidentally that Trump is interested in whether or not he can pardon family members after many new evidence against  Donald Trump Jr.’s was found  in his most recent email scandal including Russia.  



Links for more information:

Discussion Questions: 
1. Do you think President Trump have the power to pardon himself? 
2. Do you think President Trump will pardon Donald Trump Jr. ? 
3. Do you think President Trump looks suspicious asking his advisers if he can pardon himself or his family members? 


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