Pamela Hemphill of Idaho is one of the more than 1,500 people whom Mr. Trump pardoned earlier this year for their roles in the U.S. Capitol Insurrection.
A reporter was ordered to divulge a source. Reporter refused, on 5th amendment grounds.
Reporter was given a blanket pardon. Government argued that because the reporter could not be convicted regardless of what they said, the reporter was compelled to testify and name the source.
SCOTUS said that accepting a pardon was tantamount to an admission of guilt. The reporter could refuse the pardon, maintain their claim of innocence, and continue to exercise their 5th amendment right against self incrimination.
Burdick v. US.
A reporter was ordered to divulge a source. Reporter refused, on 5th amendment grounds.
Reporter was given a blanket pardon. Government argued that because the reporter could not be convicted regardless of what they said, the reporter was compelled to testify and name the source.
SCOTUS said that accepting a pardon was tantamount to an admission of guilt. The reporter could refuse the pardon, maintain their claim of innocence, and continue to exercise their 5th amendment right against self incrimination.
Yes, you can refuse a pardon.