Source: The Volokh Conspiracy
by Josh Blackman
“Back in August 2017, President Trump pardoned Joe Arpaio after he was convicted before he was sentenced. At the time, I wrote that the pardon was ‘premature,’ as the ‘preemptive pardon short-circuited the judicial process.’ … Trump’s pardon of Arpaio was criticized because he bypassed the DOJ Pardon Attorney. He unilaterally decided to issue the pardon. Hunter would have never qualified for a pardon set forth by the DOJ Pardon Attorney. Chalk up another victory for the unitary executive. … Trump was widely criticized for issuing a pardon to advance his personal interests. Arpaio was a big supporter of candidate and President Trump. The pardon was largely viewed as payback for a loyal supporter. Biden is in a similar position, though it is in many regards worse. This is not merely a political ally.” (12/01/24)
https://reason.com/volokh/2024/12/01/comparing-trumps-pardon-of-arpaio-and-bidens-pardon-of-biden/