There's been a lot of talk suddenly regarding the possibility that Bush may issue blanket pardons for various perps in his administration. But what about Cheney, Rumsfeld, Gonzales, et al? They actually haven't been officially charged with any crimes, yet. This may be a dumb question, but can a president issue pardons preemptively, before any charges have been brought? I mean, aren't pardons issued for people who have already been convicted, or at least charged with a crime?
And if you do issue a pardon preemptively, is that not a de facto admission that crimes were committed? Does he then have to state what crimes are being pardoned, or can Bush actually say he pardons everyone for any and all crimes they may have committed, or may in the future be found to have committed, regardless of what the crimes were?
Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution states that the President:
shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.
I take this to mean, quite pointedly, that he can't pardon anyone for breaking international laws.