Presidential Pardons explores the history and implications of executive clemency in the United States, examining how presidents have wielded this power and its effects on justice and public trust. Presidential pardons, rooted in English common law, were incorporated into the U.S. Constitution, granting presidents significant, largely unchecked authority. The book argues that these pardons often reflect the political climate and presidential agendas, leading to inconsistencies and potential undermining of the rule of law.
The book analyzes landmark cases like Watergate and the Iran-Contra affair, detailing justifications and criticisms surrounding the pardons granted. It dedicates specific sections to the evolution of pardon usage across different presidential administrations, highlighting patterns and anomalies.
Structured to provide a comprehensive examination, Presidential Pardons progresses from defining the scope of the pardon power to analyzing historical cases and advocating for greater transparency and accountability in the pardon process. The book's approach relies on primary documents, court decisions, and scholarly articles to provide a balanced assessment.
