Presidential pardons often make the news, especially when they involve big names. Most people know that a pardon can wipe away criminal charges, but fewer realize how it can affect a person’s legal obligations—like what they have to say in court or to Congress.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Presidential Pardon?

In simple terms, a presidential pardon is legal forgiveness. It means the person who gets it can’t be prosecuted for the crime they were pardoned for. It’s like a clean slate for that specific offense.

But there’s more to it than just forgiveness—it comes with some important legal consequences.

The Fifth Amendment and a Pardon

The Fifth Amendment gives people the right to stay silent if speaking could get them into legal trouble. But once someone is pardoned for a crime, they’re no longer at risk of being charged for it. That changes things.

If they’re called to testify—before Congress or in court—they can’t plead the Fifth about that specific crime anymore. They’re legally required to answer questions about it.

And if they lie? That’s perjury, which is still a crime—and one a pardon won’t cover.

Why It Matters When Public Figures Get Pardoned

When a well-known figure gets a pardon, it usually sparks questions: Why now? What’s the real reason? What happens next?

Here’s why people pay attention:

• They might be forced to testify in court or before Congress.

• They can’t refuse to answer questions about the crime they were pardoned for.

• If they lie, they can still be prosecuted for that.

In other words, a pardon doesn’t necessarily get someone off the hook—it could put them back on the stand.

What About Crimes Committed Later?

A pardon only applies to things that happened in the past. If someone gets a pardon today and breaks the law tomorrow, that pardon won’t help them.

And if the pardon itself seems suspicious—granted too soon or without a clear explanation—it can draw even more attention. Legal experts and the public might push for further investigations.