Main Justice
The Pardon Power
Dec 24, 2024
Trevor Morrison, NYU Law professor and Dean Emeritus, dives deep into the complexities of presidential pardon power. He discusses whether a president can pardon himself and the legality of blanket pardons for unadjudicated crimes. The conversation also touches on historical precedents and the moral implications of such actions. Additionally, the implications of political accountability in the Justice Department are explored, especially in light of recent cases. Morrison's insights unravel the intricate balance of law and political realities.
44:11
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Quick takeaways
- The discussion highlights the ambiguous nature of presidential self-pardons and the potential risks to accountability within the justice system.
- Recent Georgia legal proceedings showcase the complexities of public servant accountability and the implications of disqualifying prosecutors due to ethical concerns.
Deep dives
Pardon Power Analysis
The discussion highlights the complexities of the presidential pardon power, particularly in relation to whether a president can pardon themselves. Historically, there is no clear indication that the Founding Fathers intended for self-pardons to be permissible, as such a power could undermine accountability. Concerns were raised about the implications of pardons on the justice system, especially in scenarios where a president might attempt to bypass legal consequences for themselves or associates. This leads to speculation on how amendments or rulings might clarify these powers in the future.
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