Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
History
Date of Award
8-2003
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Elwood D. Watson
Committee Members
Dale J. Schmitt, Stephen G Fritz
Abstract
In this study I propose to examine the usage of the pardoning power of the president as it relates to four aspects: the Nixon pardon, political advancement, defense of the person and his party, and independent private gain through the issuance of pardons. These aspects are all a part of the modern day usage of Article II Section 2 of the Constitution.
The study relies primarily on statements made from the presidents involved, as well as statements made by judicial persons involved in the pardoning process. The study is also drawn from direct investigations, both private and governmental. A good number of secondary sources were used also to establish the historical setting and round out the story where inconsistencies developed.
The study concludes that presidents since Gerald Ford have used his pardon of Richard Nixon as a precedent to allow them a political alibi for questionable endeavors.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Allen, Michael Keith, "Pardon You? Pardon Me. Controversial Usage of the Presidential Pardoning Power: from Carter to Clinton." (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 777. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/777
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.