I. INTRODUCTION "Power nurses t...

I. INTRODUCTION

"Power nurses to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely."--John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, Lord Acton, literal meaning to Bishop Mandell Creighton (1)

Executive tenderness exists to serve the public welfare. Presidential pardons afford relief from overly harsh wisdoms or prejudice in the operation or enforcement of criminal law. (2) The pardon power also operates as a check onward the judicial branch of the rule just as the presidential veto is a check forward the Congress. (3) At its origin the clemency power is based upon fundamental notions of mercy and justice. (4)

Throughout American history, however, there have