Let's talk about Presidential Pardons

The Constitution gives the President the right to pardon someone of a Federal crime.

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

Do you think that this practice should continue? Do you think Governors should be able to pardon state criminal convictions?

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Personally I think they have become an abuse of power & the practice should be discontinued.

Also I'm trying to find the answer to this, so if anyone knows...

Since President Bush commuted Scooter Libby's sentence - given he was convicted, he cannot vote, right? If a President pardons a conviction, can the "felon" or "former felon" (e.g. Bill Clinton commuted Marc Rich's conviction) vote?

Re: Let's talk about Presidential Pardons

I don't think that a presidential pardon erases criminal history.

as far as I know, a convicted felon cannot vote.

but I don't really know know...I just *think* it...so I am not really helpful