Changes

Charles Pickney proposed the addition of the Pardon Power to the Constitution during the Constitutional Convention, on May 29, 1787.  ''The Federalist'' No. 74 explains its purpose of "humanity and good policy" and to lessen harsh results of the criminal code.  Several Supreme Court decisions have upheld a broad interpretation of the Pardon Power.<ref>''United States v. Wilson'', 32 U.S. 150 (1833)</ref><ref>''Ex parte'' Garland, 71 U.S. 333 (1867)</ref><ref>''United States v. Klein'', 80 U.S. 128 (1871)</ref><ref>''Biddle v. Perovich'', 274 U.S. 480 (1927)</ref><ref>''Schick v. Reed'', 419 U.S. 256 (1974)</ref>

Charles Pickney proposed the addition of the Pardon Power to the Constitution during the Constitutional Convention, on May 29, 1787.  ''The Federalist'' No. 74 explains its purpose of "humanity and good policy" and to lessen harsh results of the criminal code.  Several Supreme Court decisions have upheld a broad interpretation of the Pardon Power.<ref>''United States v. Wilson'', 32 U.S. 150 (1833)</ref><ref>''Ex parte'' Garland, 71 U.S. 333 (1867)</ref><ref>''United States v. Klein'', 80 U.S. 128 (1871)</ref><ref>''Biddle v. Perovich'', 274 U.S. 480 (1927)</ref><ref>''Schick v. Reed'', 419 U.S. 256 (1974)</ref>

Congress can grant pardons itself.<ref>''United States v. Klein'', 80 U.S. 128 (1871)</ref>

It has never been decided whether Congress can grant pardons itself.  Some argue that the grant of the power to pardon only to the President by implication precludes a power to pardon by Congress.  But there is Supreme Court authority suggesting that Congress also has the power to pardon.<ref>''[[Brown v. Walker]]'', 161 U.S. 591 (1896); ''[[The Laura]]'', 114 U.S. 411 (1885).</ref>

----

----

'''Sources:''' <references/>

'''Sources:''' <references/>