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What Are Presidential Pardons?

What Are Presidential Pardons?

Can presidents pardon themselves?

Civics 101

February 13, 202431m 34s

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Show Notes

The president has the power to release someone from prison, restore their voting rights, or stop a federal criminal investigation with little more than the wave of a hand. How did the president get this power, and are there any limitations? What would it mean for a president to pardon themselves? 

Brian Kalt, constitutional law professor at Michigan State University, helps answer these questions.

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