Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that there is no immunity from criminal prosecution for an act on the grounds that such act was within the constitutional authority or official duties of an individual, and providing that the President may not grant a pardon to himself or herself.
Summary
This document is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution. The proposed amendment aims to eliminate immunity from criminal prosecution for government officials, including the President and Vice President, based on actions taken within their constitutional authority or official duties. It also seeks to prevent a President from issuing a pardon to themselves.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would subject government officials to the same criminal laws as all other citizens, removing a potential shield of immunity. It would also alter the President's pardon power, preventing its use for self-exoneration. This could lead to increased accountability for those in power.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accountability for government officials.
- Reinforcement of the principle that no one is above the law.
- Potential reduction in corruption and abuse of power.
- Strengthening of public trust in government.
- Clarification of the limits of presidential pardon power.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for politically motivated prosecutions.
- Risk of hindering effective governance if officials fear prosecution for legitimate actions.
- Possible chilling effect on the exercise of constitutional authority.
- Increased legal challenges and uncertainty surrounding official actions.
- Could overburden the justice system with cases against officials.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposed amendment touches on fundamental principles of the Constitution, including the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the President's pardon power as outlined in Article II, Section 2. It seeks to clarify and limit these powers to prevent potential abuses. The amendment process itself is in accordance with Article V of the Constitution, which details how amendments can be proposed and ratified.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).