The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Q&A on the News
Q: I recently heard that President Barack Obama had pardoned many more criminals (than other presidents), some with life sentences. I was wondering how he has the authority to do this. Is there a limit on how many he can pardon? —Joyce Lyle, Jonesboro
A: Article II of the Constitution gives the president the “power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.”
The pardon power in the Constitution is one of the few authorities granted to one branch that has virtually no check from the other branches, James Pfiffner, a professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, told Q&A on the News in an email.
“The explicit limits are impeachment and that the offense must be against the United States; that is, the president cannot pardon someone convicted in a state court for breaking a state law,” he wrote.
Q: What part of Buckhead is in Rep. John Lewis’ district? — Ruth Daniel, Union City
A: Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, which Lewis represents, includes much of the city of Atlanta and parts of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties, according to his House website.
A congressional district map shows that Lewis’ district in Buckhead reaches up to parts of the Lenox, Buckhead Heights, Buckhead Forest, South Tuxedo Park, Brandon, Pine Hills, Westover Plantation and Ridgewood Heights neighborhoods, with sections of Moores Mill, West Paces Ferry, Habersham, Piedmont and Peachtree roads all forming the northern border.
Landmarks include Lenox Square mall, the Atlanta History Center and the commercial hub of Buckhead Village.