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Hear Me Out: Presidential Pardons Need Reform
Sep 3, 2024
Kim Wehle, an author and legal scholar, discusses her new book on presidential pardons. She explores the purpose of pardons, their potential for misuse by past presidents, and the urgent need for reform. The conversation highlights the discrepancy between granting pardons and rising incarceration rates. Wehle also examines controversial cases, such as Bill Clinton's, as well as the complex landscape surrounding Hunter Biden's situation. The discussion ultimately calls for a more accountable and transparent pardoning process.
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Quick takeaways
- The presidential pardon system, originally intended for justice and mercy, has been increasingly misused for political favoritism, highlighting a need for reform.
- Legal scholar Kim Whaley advocates for implementing greater accountability and checks on presidential pardons to preserve their intended purpose and reduce abuse.
Deep dives
Understanding the Presidential Pardon
The presidential pardon is meant to remedy injustices and show mercy, drawing its roots from ancient legal traditions, such as the Code of Hammurabi. However, its vast and often unchecked power has led to its abuse, with recent administrations using pardons to favor close allies or political donors, undermining the original intent. For instance, President Bill Clinton's last-minute pardons included controversial figures, raising concerns about favoritism that overshadowed sincere acts of mercy. This reveals a fundamental issue within the system, prompting discussions about whether the pardon power serves the public interest or merely the privileged few.
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