This Day
Pardon Season, And A Case Before Biden w/ Shannon Lynch
Jan 7, 2025
Shannon Lynch, a podcast producer and host at the New America Foundation, joins to discuss the history and significance of presidential pardons. They delve into the controversial nature of pardons, often linked to self-serving motives, while exploring how they can also rectify historical injustices. Lynch highlights the heartbreaking case of eight wrongfully imprisoned men in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the ongoing fight for their pardons. The conversation raises vital questions about justice, accountability, and the complex dynamics surrounding wrongful convictions.
25:22
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Quick takeaways
- The history of presidential pardons reveals a dual purpose, sometimes correcting injustices while other times serving as political favors for the powerful.
- The 8th and H case exemplifies systemic failures in the justice system, highlighting the need for pardons to rectify wrongful convictions and social reintegration challenges.
Deep dives
Understanding Presidential Pardons
Presidential pardons have a long history in the United States, rooted in constitutional authority that allows presidents to grant clemency. The podcast discusses how this power has sometimes been used for noble causes, such as correcting injustices, while other times, it resembles political favors for the wealthy or influential. Historical examples include George Washington pardoning participants in the Whiskey Rebellion and Gerald Ford pardoning Richard Nixon after Watergate. The podcast emphasizes that while pardons can serve the greater good, they also raise concerns about favoritism and inequity in the justice system.
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