It appears that a measure of executive clemency has been granted by President Bush to Lewis I. 'Scooter' Libby. See here for the clemency statement and here for the remarks by the President on the matter. Mr. Libby's prison sentence has been commuted, while all other fines and the two years of supervised release remain intact.
This publication agrees that the President of the United States has the authority under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States of America to pardon Mr. Libby, insofar as the matter concerning him was not one of impeachment. This publication takes no position on the matter of the commutation of sentence.
This publication enjoys observing the gnashing of electrons demonstrated here, here, here, here, and here. That John W. Dean, III, is reportedly making the rounds in opposition to this action is, as was once stated, "Sauce for the goose, Mr. Saavik."
UPDATE: Per Byron York, Mr. Fitzgerald has issued a statement that reads in part, "We fully recognize that the Constitution provides that commutation decisions are a matter of presidential prerogative and we do not comment on the exercise of that prerogative." Mr. Fitzgerald also notes that he and his office will seek to preserve the convictions of Mr. Libby.
Well, at least I got one legal principle understood. I'm sure that legal scholars all over the world are releasing sighs of relief as to the preceding.
Posted by Country Pundit at July 2, 2007 07:49 PM | TrackBack