The only legitimate argument to the contrary is that pardon powers are granted exclusively to the President as head of the Executive Branch to apply as he see's fit. It's certainly not illegal for him to do it.
However, the counter is that the pardon powers were intended to be used as part of our checks and balances to ensure people weren't being convicted for political reasons and other improper grounds - primarily at the state and local level. In light of these facts, although the pardon in question is permissible under the law, it's arbitrary use certainly isn't "right."
However, the counter is that the pardon powers were intended to be used as part of our checks and balances to ensure people weren't being convicted for political reasons and other improper grounds - primarily at the state and local level. In light of these facts, although the pardon in question is permissible under the law, it's arbitrary use certainly isn't "right."
