A little-known U.S. Supreme Court case from a century ago, Burdick v. United States, makes clear that acceptance of a pardon is a legal admission of guilt. It was only after a heated debate with his lawyer that Nixon accepted the pardon, despite its damning legal implications. For decades, Ford carried around a scrap of paper in his wallet, with a citation to the Burdick case printed on it. Although Giuliani and Trump’s legal team might try to disavow it, the Burdick case remains good law. Giuliani would be well-advised to tell his client to save his presidential pardons for those prepared to admit to crimes.

Source: Washington Post June 08, 2018 21:11 UTC