Yes: above the law
Article Abstract:
Ex-President George Bush undermined the independent counsel act with his pardon of six Iran-Contra defendants, two of whom were convicted criminals. Bush was wrong to refer to the prosecutions as a 'criminalization of policy differences' since the reason for the prosecutions was misrepresentation during congressional or prosecutorial questioning. One of Congress' most important duties is obtaining the truth in its investigations and officials who subvert this process are guilty of crimes, not differences on policy. With his pardons, Bush also damaged the cause of government accountability.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1993
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No: an act of grace
Article Abstract:
Former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and five other former public officials endured ample financial and psychological punishment due to their indictments and, in some cases, convictions, in the Iran-Contra affair. They are not going unpunished and the presidential pardons were justified. It is true that people do not endure criminal sanctions for policy differences, but it is difficult not to impute political motives to some of the timing in these cases. Moreover, this was not the first time in US history that Congress was misled in the name of the national good.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1993
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Walsh, Bush tarnished by pardons; Iran-Contra counsel charges cover-up; critics call remarks unethical
Article Abstract:
George Bush's pardon of Caspar Weinberger and several other Iran-Contra figures strengthened public doubt that he has not been honest about his involvement in Iran-Contra as vice president. Criticism of special counsel Lawrence Walsh was also vehement, including charges of incompetence and of ethical lapses in his public criticism of the president after the pardons.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1993
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