Our Vision for a Fairer Democracy
An initiative to restore the integrity of the constitutional pardon power through principled, non-partisan reform.
The Logic of Tradition
The executive power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States was established in Article II of the Constitution as a fail-safe for justice. It was intended as a mechanism of mercy, a way to correct judicial errors and promote national reconciliation in times of civil unrest.
However, the historical trajectory of this power has shifted from a tool of restorative justice to one that often risks the appearance of personal or political favoritism. As our democracy evolves, so too must the frameworks that safeguard its most potent unilateral authorities.
“Humanity and good policy conspire to dictate that the benign prerogative of pardoning should be as little as possible fettered or embarrassed.”
The Necessity of Reform
The proposed amendment seeks not to abolish the pardon power, but to close a specific and dangerous vulnerability: the ability of a president to shield conduct that occurred under their own watch. The text reads:
“No reprieve or pardon shall be valid for any offense committed during the term of office of the President issuing it, or during any term in which that President served as Vice President, whether granted heretofore or hereafter.”
In an era of increasing polarization, the integrity of our legal institutions depends on clarity. By extending the restriction to the Vice Presidency and applying it retroactively, the amendment ensures no loophole remains for self-protective clemency.
Our Leadership
Luke McDowell
Executive Director
Leading our efforts to establish transparency and accountability in the constitutional pardon process. Luke is simply a citizen with an interest in legal advocacy and public policy.
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