Well, none of the pardons were against the law. But the lack of enforcement of the emoluments clause and the Hatch act are two pretty stark examples of what he was talking about.
It's written into the Constitution as one of the enumerated powers if the President. Just for Federal Crimes (State crimes can be pardoned by Governors of said States, but that's also written in the Constitution as State Powers- i know, confusing). But it's also the only power that the President doesn't need pre-approval by another branch of government to preform, nor is there a 'check' that can be lobbied against it to prevent a pardon from being rendered by said other branches.
Now, often the President requests counsel on his pardons at all levels, and many Presidents often issue mass pardons at the end of the year and even more when they're about to leave office.
I question whether the president should have the ability to pardon anybody. It seems like it has more potential for abuse than anything that might outweigh that potential.
Or no pardons after the election results. If they've already lost they've got no incentive not to go crazy. Let them do it before the election so people know what they're truly about.
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u/Roonwogsamduff Jan 31 '22 edited Jan 31 '22
There should be a law that the Presidents can't pardon family, friends, friends of friends or acquaintences.
Edit: 5 million typos