Government
Dec. 5, 2024
A brief history about presidential pardons
President Joe Biden's pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, is just the latest in a number of controversial and downright dubious presidential pardons.
The power of pardon has ancient roots, originating with monarchs who held absolute authority over justice in their realms. It has evolved over centuries from a tool of royal prerogative to an executive power in modern republics.
Pardons became formalized under English common law, often used to correct judicial errors, show mercy or serve the crown's political interests. The concept of pardoning power was brought to the American colonies by British settlers, where colonial gove...
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