[RightWhale]

Can the President use his pardon for anyone regardless of the charges? Does he have to wait until the jury verdict? This might be the only way to stop this criminalizing of political activities.

[fight_truth_decay]

Bush could stop judicial proceedings by simply pardoning those close to him indicted of a crime, or even those not yet convicted or even formally charged with a crime.

http://www.answers.com/topic/pardon

[Khepera]

A presidential pardon can be granted at any time after commission of the offense: the pardoned person need not have been convicted or even formally charged with a crime.