Executive Grant of Clemency for Andrew Zabavsky

January 22, 2025

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Executive Clemency Granted: President Donald J. Trump issues a full and unconditional pardon to Andrew Zabavsky.
Constitutional Authority: Action undertaken under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
Criminal Conviction Details: Pertains to convictions in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia related to violations of section 371 and section 1512 of Title 18, with sentences including imprisonment, supervised release, and a special assessment.
Delegation of Authority: The Pardon Attorney is designated as the representative to sign the grant of clemency on the President’s behalf.
Formal Execution: Document signed in Washington, D.C. on January 22, 2025, with the Department of Justice seal affixed.

The Executive Grant of Clemency for Andrew Zabavsky is a specific legal action that does not directly impact Vanderbilt University or its operations. However, it may have broader implications for public perception and trust in the legal system, which could indirectly affect the university’s community and stakeholders.
There is a potential reputational risk if any individuals associated with the university are perceived to be connected to high-profile clemency cases, which could influence public opinion or donor perspectives.
While this action does not directly affect university policy or operations, it may serve as a case study in legal, political science, or ethics courses, providing educational value to students and faculty.

Vanderbilt Law School may find this case relevant for discussions on presidential powers, clemency, and the legal implications of such actions. It could be used as a teaching tool in courses related to constitutional law and criminal justice.
The Department of Political Science might explore the political ramifications of executive clemency and its impact on public policy and governance.
Ethics and Public Policy Programs could use this case to examine the ethical considerations and societal impacts of granting clemency.

There is no direct financial impact on Vanderbilt University from this executive action. However, any shifts in public policy or legal interpretations resulting from such actions could have indirect effects on funding or research opportunities in related fields.
Potential opportunities for research funding may arise if there is increased interest in studying the effects and implications of executive clemency on the legal system and society.

Relevance Score: 1 (The action presents no direct impact or very little impact on the university.)

N/A – The executive grant of clemency for Andrew Zabavsky does not directly impact Vanderbilt University’s programs or operations, as it pertains to a specific legal case and individual pardon.

N/A – There are no direct opportunities for Vanderbilt University arising from this executive action, as it is focused on a specific legal pardon rather than broader policy changes.

Relevance Score: 1

Average Relevance Score: 1.6

N/A – No enforcement or directive timeline is provided, as this executive clemency is effective immediately upon issuance.

Relevance Score: 1

Department of Justice (DOJ): The order explicitly directs the DOJ—through the designation of the Pardon Attorney—to execute the pardon, making it the primary agency responsible for implementing this executive clemency.
United States District Court for the District of Columbia: Since the pardon relates to a conviction handed down in this court, its records and case files are indirectly affected by the order.

Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of agencies are directly impacted by the clemency action.)

Pardon Attorney – Designated by the President to sign the grant of clemency on his behalf.

Relevance Score: 3 (Directs a specific delegated official within the Department of Justice responsible for executing clemency actions.)