What is a presidential pardon? Behind the power Biden used to pardon his son Hunter

Published December 3, 2024 10:11am ET



President Joe Biden garnered sweeping criticism from both sides of the aisle when he pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was criminally convicted this year on tax and gun charges. 

After invoking presidential powers to grant clemency to Hunter Biden over the weekend, his father was faulted by many for abusing the authority of his office to dole out favors to family members. 

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