Why do presidents have the power to pardon, and how is it typically used and abused? Sai Prakash and James Patterson discuss the pardon power's origins in British law, its usefulness in ending rebellions, and the unfortunate tendency of more recent presidents to use the pardon power to reward friends and donors, protect underlings, or generate political support.

The Presidential Pardon by Sai Prakash
"The Personal Pardon Power" by Philip Hamberger, Law & Liberty
"Is It Too Late to Recover the Founders' Presidency?" by Gary L. Gregg II, Law & Liberty

Law & Liberty senior writer John O. McGinnis joins the podcast this week to discuss his new book, Why Democracy Needs the Rich. Although they may be the focus of populist ire from the left and right alike, McGinnis contends that wealthy Americans play a vital role in counterbalancing majoritarian excess and serving as entrepreneurial "social prospectors" who can revitalize civil society.

Why Democracy Needs the Rich by John O. McGinnis
"Blessed Are the Rich," book review by James E. Hartley, Law & Liberty
"Liquidate the Rich?" by John O. McGinnis
"Mother's Milk of the Revolution" by John O. McGinnis

Young Americans, and especially young men, are feeling economically disenchanted. As the national debt soars and interest rates remain high, the prospect of providing for a family (let alone buying a home) seems impossibly far off. Russ Greene explains part of the problem: "Total Boomer Luxury Communism," or a host of policies at all levels of government that generously provide for senior citizens while leaving the youth to pick up the tab. Greene talks about how we got here, what's needed to give millennials and Gen Z a chance, and why there's reason to be optimistic.

"What Is Total Boomer Luxury Communism?" by Russ Greene
"Debt Politics" with Mitch Daniels (Law & Liberty Podcast)
"What Social Security Should Do—and What It Shouldn't" by Sita Slavov (Law & Liberty)
"Slashing Tax Rates and Cutting Loopholes" by Adam N. Michel (Cato Institute)