Federal pardons in the United States

Federal pardons in the United States are a form of clemency granted by the President of the United States as per the powers vested in him by the United States Constitution. The President's power to pardon is outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, which provides that the President "shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment."

History

The power of federal pardons has been a part of the U.S. Constitution since its inception in 1787. The Founding Fathers included this power to provide a check on the judiciary and to show mercy. The first federal pardon was granted by George Washington in 1795.

Process

The process for granting a federal pardon typically begins with a petition from the individual seeking the pardon. This petition is submitted to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, a division of the United States Department of Justice. The Pardon Attorney reviews the petition and makes a recommendation to the President, who ultimately decides whether to grant the pardon.

Controversies

Throughout history, the use of federal pardons has sometimes been a source of controversy. Some Presidents, such as Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, have been criticized for their use of the pardon power, particularly when they have pardoned individuals with personal or political connections.

Notable Federal Pardons

Some of the most notable federal pardons in U.S. history include President Gerald Ford's pardon of former President Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal, and President Barack Obama's commutation of the sentence of Chelsea Manning, a former Army intelligence analyst convicted of leaking classified documents.

See also

• List of people pardoned or granted clemency by the president of the United States
• Commutation
• Amnesty