JCCU Miniseries

JCCU Miniseries

Pardons, Executive Orders, and the Abuse of Presidential Power
With Jess Velona

Are presidential pardons and executive orders getting out of hand? Join JCCU’s favorite expert, Jess Velona to learn how. 

In the first session we’ll look at presidential pardons. Originally designed to correct judicial mistakes, pardons are increasingly used to protect political allies. We’ll discuss controversial examples from Andrew Johnson’s mass pardons of ex-Confederates to more recent pardons by Clinton, Biden, and Trump, and explore what reforms might be possible.

In the second session we’ll examine executive orders and how they’ve evolved from limited tools to sweeping presidential directives. From Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to FDR’s Japanese internment orders to Trump’s recent executive actions, we’ll see how presidents have pushed the boundaries of their authority.

We’ll discuss how Congress, courts, and citizens can push back when presidential power goes too far. 

Come ready for lively discussion!

2 Thursdays, 10/30 and 11/6, 11am-12:15pm
$35 Member/$42 Guest for 2 sessions, $20 Member/$25 Guest per session
Sponsored in part by the Berit and Martin Bernstein Open Forum Endowment Fund