THE AUTO-PEN SIGNATURES AND PARDONS.
GROK The validity of Joe Biden's pardons, even if signed with an autopen, appears to hold up legally based on current U.S. law and precedent. The Constitution (Article II, Section 2) grants the president broad clemency powers, stating only that the president "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." It does not specify that a pardon must be signed by hand or even in writing, leaving the method of execution open to interpretation. Legal experts and historical practice support this. A 2005 Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel memo, issued during George W. Bush’s presidency, concluded that a president does not need to personally affix his signature to a bill for it to become law; he can direct a subordinate to do so, including via autopen. This logic extends to pardons, as the Constitution imposes even fewer formalities on clemency than on legislation. Additionally, a 2024 U.S. Court of A...