General Discussion

diva77

(7,643 posts) Mon Aug 21, 2017, 07:51 PM Aug 2017

What if a pardon is issued, but then, after the fact, a new charge is raised?

Would the pardon be retroactive?

5 replies

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What if a pardon is issued, but then, after the fact, a new charge is raised? (Original Post) diva77 Aug 2017 OP

No. elleng Aug 2017 #1

Thanks. I probably didn't word it very clearly, but I was thinking of a scenario where Dump diva77 Aug 2017 #2

Depends on how broad the pardon is. unblock Aug 2017 #4

ok. that sucks!! diva77 Aug 2017 #5

Pardons can only cover crimes that have already occurred. unblock Aug 2017 #3

elleng

(130,908 posts)

1. No.

Reply to diva77 (Original post)

Mon Aug 21, 2017, 07:57 PM

Aug 2017

diva77

(7,643 posts)

2. Thanks. I probably didn't word it very clearly, but I was thinking of a scenario where Dump

Reply to elleng (Reply #1)

Mon Aug 21, 2017, 08:04 PM

Aug 2017

receives a pardon, but then more discoveries of money-laundering or what-not committed prior to the pardon are made...

So in a way, it would be good for a few crimes to remain unaddressed just in case Dump receives a pardon? or am I not understanding?

unblock

(52,230 posts)

4. Depends on how broad the pardon is.

Reply to diva77 (Reply #2)

Mon Aug 21, 2017, 08:09 PM

Aug 2017

In theory he could be pardoned for "any and all crimes he may have committed" prior to the date of the pardon. That would cover crimes we only learn about later.

diva77

(7,643 posts)

5. ok. that sucks!!

Reply to unblock (Reply #4)

Mon Aug 21, 2017, 08:10 PM

Aug 2017

Thanks...

unblock

(52,230 posts)

3. Pardons can only cover crimes that have already occurred.

Reply to diva77 (Original post)

Mon Aug 21, 2017, 08:06 PM

Aug 2017

Pardons can cover crimes before an arrest or indictment (e.g., Nixon) but not before they he crime itself has occurred.

That said, a president could promise now to issue a future pardon for a crime yet to occur.

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