Pre-emptive Pardon

[KafirChobee]

I have a question.
Can new charges of a crime (or accusation) be presented in a fashion that doesnot interpret the pardon as being a functioning instrument in concern of the reasoning of the pardon?


Or, is a pardon a blank check that covers every catagory of/for an offense?

[Seamus Fermanagh]

I have a question.
Can new charges of a crime (or accusation) be presented in a fashion that doesnot interpret the pardon as being a functioning instrument in concern of the reasoning of the pardon?


Or, is a pardon a blank check that covers every catagory of/for an offense?

Depends on the text:

Now, therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from July (January) 20, 1969, through August 9, 1974.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-ninth.

This is formatted in such a way that ANY federal crime or misdemeanor was set aside for the entirety of Nixon's presidency (and for the 12 hours immediately before and preceding that presidency if you wish to get picky).

In contrast:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, pursuant to my powers under Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, do hereby grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to Elliott Abrams, Duane R. Clarridge, Alan Fiers, Clair George, Robert C. McFarlane, and Caspar W. Weinberger for all offenses charged or prosecuted by Independent Counsel Lawrence E. Walsh or other member of his office, or committed by these individuals and within the jurisdiction of that office.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventeenth.

This is a blanket covering anything connected with that IC investigation, but would not obviate any penalties or charges stemming from other crimes/misdemeanors.


It's all in the wording....

[KafirChobee]

Thx, Seamus for your perspective.

Gah! i wishes me was smarter.