I have advocated (around here even) the need for a Constitutional amendment regarding presidential pardons. Basically, I believe that all pardons should be reviewed by the Supreme Court (or maybe the Senate), and if even a sizable minority feel that the pardon is not sufficiently ‘arm’s length’ from the president, it can be nullified. Maybe only 40% have to be convinced. This would give people pause who are told to keep their mouths shut until the waning days of the president’s term in office. The president should not have the power to protect himself for prosecution through use of pardons.
Makes sense but the political class will never pass it.