The Use of the Presidential Pardon

[rehmwa 2]

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The problem I see is not with the concept, but with the execution, where cronies of the Prez (like Cap. Weinberger) get pardons.

So the application is the abuse of pardons, like in your example and the previous president as well. And the 3 before him (before that, I don't recall the specific pardons, but Clinton's list was horrendous, I suspect this president's list on the way out will be pretty bad too.)

I'm not happy that one person, just on their call, can override the results of a fairly well defined system. Lawrocket even noted that he can override the "perception" of an overly cruel law system with a pardon. Some of our biggest injustices is because too much in terms of verdicts and sentences lie with perception rather than just the simple act itself. It could be more cut and dried, those that make the laws screw it up by waffling and having hazy definitions of right and wrong.

mr2mk1g has a good point - it's a crappy thing to 'have to have', and, as such, the allowance of an executive should be very restricted in application. (this is a statement that supports checks and balances, but also acknowledges it does and has led to abuse).

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Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[Erroll 80]

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George W Bush hasn't used pardons very often.

There must be some irony in pardoning turkeys...