How US Presidents Wield Their Mighty Power to Pardon: QuickTake

The US president’s power to pardon is both one of the most absolute and misunderstood provisions of the Constitution. Rooted in the “prerogative of mercy” of English kings dating back to the seventh century, America’s founders wanted a robust pardon power to allow “easy access to exceptions in favor of unfortunate guilt” by the justice system, as Alexander Hamilton wrote.

Today, the power has become as polarizing as the men using it. On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trumpissued a sweeping pardon for people convicted for their actions in the riot at the US ...