Pardon Power Unleashed: Kimberly Wehle on Presidential Pardons, Legal Quagmires, and Safeguarding Democracy

The Jack Hopkins Show Podcast

What if a president could pardon crimes that hadn't even been committed yet? Join us as we uncover the intricate workings of the presidential pardon system with Kimberly Wehle, a tenured law professor and ABC News legal contributor. Kimberly shares insights from her upcoming book, "Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works and Why," shedding light on the president's ability to pardon past actions and the historical context of this profound power.
In an exclusive discussion, we dive into the complex legal labyrinth surrounding the cases against Donald Trump, including the controversial handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Kimberly deciphers Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6E and its implications for national security, while also addressing the unprecedented notion of criminal immunity for a president. We analyze how these legal challenges impact the Department of Justice and the broader implications for our democracy.
Our conversation then pivots to the critical differences between democracy and monarchy, using current political scenarios to illustrate the dangers of autocratic shifts. From the implications of the Supreme Court's decisions on Roe v. Wade to the potential misuse of presidential pardon power, we underscore the perils of unchecked authority. We also highlight the essential role of informed voting and the necessity of legal consequences to maintain the rule of law. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that emphasizes the importance of checks and balances in preserving democratic integrity.
https://kimberlywehle.com

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Capitole

1. Pardon Power Unleashed: Kimberly Wehle on Presidential Pardons, Legal Quagmires, and Safeguarding Democracy (00:00:00)

2. Pardon Power (00:00:01)

3. Legal Ambiguity and Interpretation in Practice (00:13:55)

4. Democracy Versus Monarchy (00:28:47)

5. Partisanship and Threats to Democracy (00:36:06)

6. Unchecked Presidential Power and Its Dangers (00:49:04)

7. Consequences and Values in Law (00:59:44)

8. Empowering Knowledge for Informed Voting (01:11:13)