The President’s Broad Power to Pardon and Commute


 

Publication Date: July 2007

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): James Pfiffner

Research Area: Government

Keywords: supplemental; MILC; emergency

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The pardon power has been and will remain a powerful constitutional tool of the President. Its use has the potential to achieve much good for the polity or to increase political conflict. Only the wisdom of the President can ensure its appropriate use.