3 ms·

Nixon?

• mcv 10y ago
  Nixon was pardoned before he was indicted. So legally, there's definitely precedent for Obama's ability to pardon Snowden. He just doesn't want to. From the article: > When Obama said he "can't" pardon Snowden he may have meant he "won't" do it, unless circumstances change. Presidents have historically issued pardons even when no court or prosecutor has taken action, which was pointed out by Noa Yachot, who directs the Pardon Snowden campaign. > "The president can pardon anyone," wrote Yachot. "Richard Nixon hadn’t even been indicted when Gerald Ford issued a 'full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in' over the course of his presidency.