For historians, the retrospective legitimation of essentially every criminal act Nixon committed while in office is quite mind-boggling. Ford’s pardon was utterly unnecessary.
Does this ruling affect lackeys and henchmen? If the President orders you to go kill John Roberts is the guy who pulls the trigger still a criminal if the president isn’t?
No they aren't covered. That's what presidential pardons are for. Even better in some ways because it forces loyalty out of the henchmen. Want a pardon? Then you will do as I tell you.
