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Willravel · 06-30-2009, 12:09 PM

In theory, the presidential pardon/commutation is intended to be a check, so the president can correct judicial error, but since it's not a matter that can be overseen it often is done for whatever reason the president sees fit. Sometimes it's a matter of west wing PR, sometimes it's to prevent a friend from well-earned jail time.

Let us say, for the sake of argument, that our next president is vehemently, religiously anti-capital punishment. The day he's sworn into office, he proceeds to grant every single request for a commutation that's currently on file, reducing the sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He invited those that didn't file to do so and then grants them the same reduction to life without parole.

Media and PR consequences aside, could this be legally challenged? Could anyone stop the president from doing this?

06-30-2009, 12:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Question about the Presidential Pardon In theory, the presidential pardon/commutation is intended to be a check, so the president can correct judicial error, but since it's not a matter that can be overseen it often is done for whatever reason the president sees fit. Sometimes it's a matter of west wing PR, sometimes it's to prevent a friend from well-earned jail time. Let us say, for the sake of argument, that our next president is vehemently, religiously anti-capital punishment. The day he's sworn into office, he proceeds to grant every single request for a commutation that's currently on file, reducing the sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He invited those that didn't file to do so and then grants them the same reduction to life without parole. Media and PR consequences aside, could this be legally challenged? Could anyone stop the president from doing this? Last edited by Willravel; 06-30-2009 at 02:27 PM..