Flynns lawyer predicted that Trump would make novel and unusual use of presidential pardons

[riversedge]

Michael Flynn’s lawyer predicted in 2016 that Trump would ‘make novel and unusual use’ of presidential pardons

http://www.rawstory.com/2017/03/mike-flynns-lawyer-predicted-in-2016-trump-would-make-novel-and-unusual-use-of-presidential-pardons/


31 Mar 2017 at 09:47 ET

Lieutenant General Michael Flynn (ret.), National Security Advisor Designate speaks during a conference on the transition of the US Presidency from Barack Obama to Donald Trump at the US Institute Of Peace in Washington DC, January 10, 2017 (AFP Photo/CHRIS KLEPONIS)


If former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn isn’t granted immunity in exchange for testifying before the Senate Intelligence Community, could he simply obstruct justice and then hope for a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump?

Robert Kelner, an attorney at Covington & Burling LLP who is serving as Flynn’s counsel, predicted in 2016 that Trump as president would expand the use of presidential pardons in ways that the country had never seen before.


“A prediction: Donald Trump will make novel and unusual use of the President’s pardon power,” he wrote last November, in a tweet cited by Bruce Bartlett on Friday morning.

Kelner also went on to describe presidential pardons as “an under-utilized tool of political power.”..............................

[IndianaDave]

1. Trump can't pardon someone who hasn't been convicted!

By the time that he would grant a pardon to Flynn - if he actually chooses to do so - the American people will see exactly what he's doing, and the pardon would be technically applicable, but it would be the hollow, empty act of a completely corrupt "president."

[GeoWilliam750]

2. Actually, Bush Senior pardoned several men involved in Iran-Contra before conviction

They had, however, been charged.

Also, Ford pardoned Nixon even though there had been no charges yet brought - to the best of my knowledge.

I am unaware of other cases, but it seems unlikely that the above were without precedent.

In the case of Flynn, my guess is that he would first have to be charged with something, and it sounds like they have quite a few things with which they could charge him. Thus, if Comey wanted to make this difficult for President Trump, he could charge Flynn with one thing at a time, starting with those charges bearing the shortest statute of limitations.

[Vinnie From Indy]

3. Trump could pardon Flynn for ALL criminal activity prior to a certain date.

That would prevent Comey from hitting Flynn with charges one at a time.

[IndianaDave]

4. You're right! I did some quick conclusion jumping.