What Is a Pardon?
A pardon is an act of forgiveness by a government official—often a president or governor—that absolves a person of some or all legal consequences for a crime they committed. It does not erase the fact that the crime occurred, but it may restore certain rights lost due to the conviction.
Presidential Pardons in the United States
Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, the President has the power to grant "reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment." This means the president can pardon federal crimes but not state crimes or civil liabilities.
Presidential pardons are often controversial but are considered a check on the judicial system, allowing mercy in cases of perceived injustice or after a period of demonstrated rehabilitation.
How Does a Pardon Work?
Individuals seeking a presidential pardon typically apply through the Office of the Pardon Attorney within the U.S. Department of Justice. However, the president is not required to follow this process and may issue a pardon at any time, even before charges are filed (as seen in rare historical cases).
A full pardon restores most civil rights, such as the right to vote, hold public office, or serve on a jury—depending on state laws.
Historical Examples
Notable examples include President Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon in 1974 and President Jimmy Carter’s blanket pardon for Vietnam War draft evaders. More recently, several presidents have issued pardons during their final days in office.
Pardon vs. Commutation
While a pardon forgives the offense, a commutation reduces or eliminates the punishment without forgiving the crime. Both fall under the broader term "executive clemency."