Begging the president's pardon (BBC)

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Begging the president's pardon

When should an American president issue a pardon to a convicted criminal?

For supporters of former White House aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby, who faces 30 months in jail for perjury and obstruction of justice, the answer is "right now".

They believe Libby is a loyal public servant who has been treated as a scapegoat for the administration and have called on President George W Bush to spare him a prison term.

For others, the idea that Libby would be granted a pardon is political cronyism that goes against the very principle of how the power should be used.

The article continues at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6746947.stm