Impeachment and Pardons questions

[NewJeffCT]

I am pretty sure that if Trump is impeached, the impeachment itself cannot be pardoned, per the Constitution.

But, any underlying Federal crimes still CAN be pardoned (bribery, extortion, campaign finance, obstruction, etc) - so, he could resign and Pence could pardon an impeached Trump for any underlying crimes. He could still get prosecuted at the state level as well.


This was my example that was something like what I had explained to me before:

Let's say Bob is caught embezzling money from ABC company. He's immediately fired by ABC, which is like impeachment.

Then, the case goes to the local police and DA to prosecute. Bob is convicted, but is a friend of the governor and gets a pardon for the crimes. However, he's still fired from ABC company and likely will never be rehired.

Is my understanding correct? If I'm wrong, please cite an example from a mainstream legal analyst

[unblock]

1. nailed it!

[NewJeffCT]

6. Thanks

There seem to be a bunch of people here on DU (and elsewhere) that think if Trump is impeached, he can't be pardoned for any of the related underlying crimes.

[getagrip_already]

2. almost....

In the case of a potus that has not been impeached and barred from holding any future office (these are seperate votes), he leaves with all honors of the presidency including ss protection, pension, a library, office expenses, and the right to be buried at arlington with honor.

In fact, even if he is convicted after he leaves, he still carries all of those honors with him. Also, he could run for office again. Any office. even nys governor to pardon his family, company, or himself potentially.

Bob couldn't do that.

[mopinko]

5. they take a second vote to bar from further office. so, they can. dont know if they would.

[CaptainTruth]

3. Yes, if Trump resigned Pence could give him a blanket pardon...

...for any & all federal crimes he committed while in office. My understanding is that's what Ford gave Nixon, & it even covers crimes we don't know about.

[tritsofme]

4. While far less solid ground, Trump could arguably grant himself such a pardon, without resigning.

[NewJeffCT]

7. I'd think that would need SCOTUS to decide

And, while Trump thinks he can pardon himself and Barr would go to the mat for him on that idea, I've heard legal scholars argue that dating back to the Magna Carta, no person can be a judge of themselves or something like that.

[madville]

8. This is exactly what is going to happen

Trump is going to issue blanket pardons to everyone in his circle, including Pence, come January 2021. He will then resign in his final week and Pence will pardon him for any and every thing under the sun. The next administration and DOJ will not be able to indict any of them at the federal level.

[unblock]

9. i disagree.

donnie will only allow pence to be president for 24 hours.