The pardon vs commute...I heard on the radio several days ago that the President could not pardon those two but could commute. Maybe someone with the knowledge of the law regarding these two issues could discuss this. I know one is forgive the conviction and the other finishes the sentences but the conviction stands...but why could the President not, by some law, pardon these two?
A pardon wipes his slate clean. A commutation says they served their sentences, still guilty, still on their record.
From what I understand from the article on Fox News, a pardon is typically requested 5 years after the prison term has ended. Since these guys are getting out in March, they’ll have to request a full pardon from President Palin.