President Trump is reportedly set to issue a wide swath of pardons that may include close confidants and family members. There are also talks of Trump issuing a pardon for himself to stave off possible federal investigations. Trump’s probable use of the pardon power is likely to push the boundaries of Constitutional norms and may wind up empowering future presidents to go even further.

In Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 23, Host Jay Edelson, nationally recognized class action plaintiff’s attorney and Founder of Edelson PC, and Guest Kimberly Wehle, professor of law at the University of Baltimore School of Law and legal expert and commentator for CBS News, dive into Trump’s use of the pardon power and what it means for our Democratic Republic.

Jay and Kimberly first discuss how Trump is unlike other presidents and won’t face the same political pressures as some of his predecessors (7:25). Although most presidents have used the pardon power for some personal gain, Trump is pushing the boundaries with the GOP backing his every move.

Kimberly, the author of What You Need to Know About Voting--and Why and How to Read the Constitution—and Why, share her insight on the limits of presidential pardons and what role the courts play into interpreting this power (14:35). Jay and Kimberly also discuss the nuts and bolts of how pardons work and if it means you are guilty of a crime (23:30).

Later in the show, Kimberly gives her thoughts on who Trump might pardon and what these actions might look like (29:00). Jay and Kimberly also discuss whether Trump will use pardons for family members and associates tied up in the Mueller probe. They also talk about if Trump can issue blanket pardons for unknown crimes and if anyone will challenge a potentially invalid pardon (36:25).

To wrap the show, Jay and Kimberly chat if Biden can hold Trump accountable for his actions and if he has the political capital to bring federal investigations for possible crimes committed in office (47:20). They end by discussing how Congress needs to reassert its role to limit presidents from pushing and breaking constitutional norms.

Check out the episode to hear more about Edelson PC’s legal actions against Tom Girardi and Real Housewives Star Erika Jayne and what the firm has in store for the holidays.

If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a review. You can also send us an email at podcast@edelson.com with any questions or for guest booking.

Recent Episodes:
Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 22: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-22-one-where-law-students-take-on-big-law-climate/

Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 21: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-21-one-where-two-plaintiffs-attorneys-try-to/

Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 20: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-20-one-where-we-talk-about-trumps-attempt-to/