Hey there! 👋 Have you ever heard about presidential pardons and commutations? They’re special powers that the President of the United States has to help people who have been convicted of federal crimes. Let’s dive in and learn more! 🕵️♀️
What’s a Presidential Pardon? 🤔
A pardon is like a big “forgive me” card from the President. 📝 It means that a person is forgiven for a crime they committed, and it’s as if they never did it! This can help them find jobs, vote, or do things they couldn’t do with a criminal record.
And What’s a Commutation? 🛤️
A commutation reduces a person’s punishment. Imagine if someone was supposed to be in jail for 10 years, but the President decides that’s too long. He can commute the sentence, so they might only serve 5 years instead! ⏳
Why Do Presidents Use These Powers? 🌟
Presidents use pardons and commutations to show mercy or fix unfair sentences. Sometimes, laws change, and punishments that seemed fair in the past might be too harsh now. By granting pardons or commutations, Presidents can help people get a second chance. 🤝
Real-Life Examples 📝
- President Abraham Lincoln pardoned soldiers during the Civil War who had deserted their posts. 🏹
- President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of over 1,700 people, many of whom had been convicted of non-violent drug offenses. 💊
Thinking About Fairness ⚖️
These actions remind us about the importance of fairness and justice. It’s essential to make sure punishments fit the crimes, and sometimes, people deserve a chance to start over. 🌈
Keep Learning! 📚
If you’re curious, ask your teachers or parents more about how governments work and how leaders can make a difference in people’s lives!
Remember, everyone deserves a second chance! 💖
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
