'Pardon Power'

The power to pardon is one of the most delicate authorities granted to the President of the United States, as it lies solely within the discretion of the executive branch. There is no judicial or congressional oversight, leaving room for potential abuse of this power. Throughout history, many presidents have issued controversial pardons, but what President Joe Biden is reportedly considering as his term nears its end is unprecedented. Biden is being urged, and is considering, to issue blanket pardons for government officials involved in unspecified crimes for which they have not been charged. How might such pardons undermine the integrity of the presidential pardon power, and would they provoke public outcry, potentially leading to calls for limiting this authority for future presidents? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #271.