WASHINGTON: Amy Coney Barrett deflected when asked questions about presidential powers, on the second day of the US Supreme Court nominee’s confirmation hearing in the Senate, while lawmakers also pushed on abortion, gun rights and health care.
"Does a president have an absolute right to pardon himself?” Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy asked on Wednesday, the second and final day of questioning of Barrett, US President Donald Trump’s pick to fill the vacancy on the top court.
Under the constitution, the president has the right to pardon individuals. The question has come up whether Trump - who could be facing legal woes - could pardon himself.
Barrett sidestepped, saying that as the issue is an "open question” she could not offer a view, citing precedent that judges being nominated do not comment regarding ongoing policy debates. "No one is above the law,” she said. (DPA)
"Does a president have an absolute right to pardon himself?” Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy asked on Wednesday, the second and final day of questioning of Barrett, US President Donald Trump’s pick to fill the vacancy on the top court.
Under the constitution, the president has the right to pardon individuals. The question has come up whether Trump - who could be facing legal woes - could pardon himself.
Barrett sidestepped, saying that as the issue is an "open question” she could not offer a view, citing precedent that judges being nominated do not comment regarding ongoing policy debates. "No one is above the law,” she said. (DPA)