The Process of a Presidential Pardon by Gabby S.

https://www.vox.com/2018/8/21/17766146/michael-cohen-guilty-plea-paul-manafort-day-explained

This past week has brought an onslaught of criminal charges on former political and personal affiliates of President Trump. Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign chair, faced 18 federal charges and was convicted of eight. Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, plead guilty to eight federal crimes. Those crimes include paying off Stormy Daniels at President Trump’s orders.

Many experts have been wondering if President Trump would ever pardon either of them, for fear of collusion affiliations or suspicions. However, it seems that people are getting the situation out of hand too quickly. The pardoning process is much more complicated than Donald Trump giving them a sock and saying, “OK, you’re free now!” For either of the criminals to be even considered for pardoning, They would have to submit a petition of sorts, but only after serving a minimum of about five years in prison. Next would come the tedious process of going through the pardoning committees and Attorney General. All of these people involved in the process can choose to not recommend the applicant for pardoning, but in the end, the president does have the final say.

Should the President have the final say in something so individually unique as federal court cases? Should the pardoning process undergo more review before being given to the president? What about Manafort and Cohen? Should they be pardoned, or not?