Which branch of government has the power to pardon people found guilty of federal crimes?
History · Middle School · Mon Jan 18 2021
Answered on
The power to pardon individuals found guilty of federal crimes resides with the executive branch of the United States government, and specifically with the President. The President has the authority to grant pardons, reprieves, or commutations for individuals convicted of federal offenses. This power is outlined in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants the President the "power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment."
While the President has broad authority to issue pardons, this power is limited to federal offenses. Governors of individual states have the authority to issue pardons or commutations for state offenses within their respective jurisdictions.