Presidential Pardon

The constitutional power to forgive federal offenses

Overview

Article Two empowers the President to grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses, unchecked by Congress or review, except in cases of impeachment. Pardons restore civil rights and can issue before or after conviction, the Ford pardon of Nixon being the canonical preemptive case. Courts read the power broadly while requiring acceptance. Governors hold parallel powers in states, and impeachment stands outside its reach, preserving accountability at the apex. The power covers every federal offense known and unknown, and acceptance implies a confession of guilt.