Fact Check: Pardons can be granted by the President of the United States.

Fact Check: "Pardons can be granted by the President of the United States."

What We Know

The claim that the President of the United States can grant pardons is supported by the Constitution. Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 states, "The President... shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment" (source). This constitutional provision establishes the President's authority to grant clemency, which includes pardons, for federal offenses.

The Supreme Court has recognized this power as broad and nearly unlimited, with exceptions only for impeachment cases. For instance, in the case of Ex parte Garland, the Court noted that the President's authority to pardon extends to every offense known to law and can be exercised at any time, whether before, during, or after legal proceedings (source). Furthermore, the Office of the Pardon Attorney confirms that the President is the sole authority for granting clemency, which includes pardons for federal offenses (source).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, stemming from both constitutional text and judicial interpretation. The Constitution explicitly grants the President the power to issue pardons, and historical context shows that this power has been exercised by various Presidents throughout U.S. history. The Supreme Court's rulings, particularly in Ex parte Garland and Schick v. Reed, reinforce the understanding that this power is extensive and can be applied under various circumstances (source).

The reliability of the sources is high. The constitutional text is a primary legal document, and the interpretations provided by the Supreme Court are authoritative. The Office of the Pardon Attorney, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, also provides credible information regarding the processes and limitations surrounding presidential pardons (source).

However, it is important to note that the President's clemency power is limited to federal offenses and does not extend to state crimes or civil matters (source). This limitation is crucial in understanding the scope of the President's authority.

Conclusion

The claim that "Pardons can be granted by the President of the United States" is True. The constitutional basis for this power, coupled with historical precedent and judicial interpretation, confirms that the President has the authority to grant pardons for federal offenses, with specific limitations regarding impeachment and state matters.

Fact Check: Pardons can be granted by the President of the United States.