1、CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Legal SidebarLegal Sidebari i Can the President Pardon Contempt of Court? Probably Yes. August 10, 2018 Few provisions in the U.S. Constitution grant the President an authority as free from legislative constraint as the Pardon Clause. It ve
2、sts the President “plenary” power to grant “Reprieves and Pardons” for “offences against the United States.” Plainly put, the President can “forgive” those facing criminal liability under federal law. While the pardon power has been wielded in numerous instances throughout American history, there is
3、 limited case law interpreting it. This lack of judicial guidance, coupled with relatively limited discussion of the pardon power at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, has beget various unsettled legal questions concerning the pardon powers scope and breadth. For instance, whether the Pr
4、esident may issue a self-pardon has been the subject of conflicting views and debate. The contours of the pardon power have once again become a topic of public attention after President Trump issued the first pardons of his presidency. For instance, President Trumps pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio has
