Elections and the Presidency

Pardons, impeachment, obstruction, voter intimidation, ballot selfies, and the limits of presidential power.

2:27

Brief

Who can the President PARDON and how does it work?

How far the presidential pardon reaches, from uncharged crimes to self-pardons, and what it erases.

1:57

Brief

What crimes can trigger impeachment of the president?

Treason, bribery, and high crimes and misdemeanors: the standard for impeaching presidents and judges.

2:22

Brief

Can a President "Obstruct Justice?"

What counts as obstruction, why a sitting president is not indicted, and how presidential immunity applies.

1:38

Brief

Can President Trump continue to run his businesses?

Why conflict-of-interest laws skip the president, and where the Emoluments Clauses fit in.

2:42

Brief

What if a nominee withdraws pre-election?

Party rules, state ballot deadlines, and the Electoral College: how a presidential nominee gets replaced.

3:46

Brief

Can the President Overturn States' Quarantine Orders?

Harvard's Glenn Cohen on federal versus state power over shutdowns, quarantines, and public health orders.

6:14

Brief

Due Process – Can a Litigant Appoint His Judge?

Must a judge step aside when a litigant appointed her? Caperton's "serious risk of actual bias" test.

3:14

Brief

What is voter intimidation?

Threats at the polls, armed officials, and lies about when to vote: what counts as voter intimidation.

1:48

Brief

The "crime" of the ballot selfie!?

Is it illegal to take a selfie with your ballot? Why some states ban ballot photos and how courts responded.