DC Public Library System

Prosecuting the president, how special prosecutors hold presidents accountable and protect the rule of law, Andrew Coan

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 213-230) and index

index present

non fiction

Prosecuting the president

bibliography

1049577033

Andrew Coan

how special prosecutors hold presidents accountable and protect the rule of law

"[This book provides a] history of special prosecutors in American politics. For more than a century, special prosecutors have struck fear into the hearts of presidents, who have the power to fire them at any time. How could this be, [the author] asks? And how could the nation entrust such a high responsibility to such subordinate officials? [The author] demonstrates that special prosecutors can do much to protect the rule of law under the right circumstances. Many have been thwarted by the formidable challenges of investigating a sitting president and his close associates; a few have abused the powers entrusted to them. But at their best, special prosecutors function as catalysts of democracy, channeling an unfocused popular will to safeguard the rule of law. By raising the visibility of high-level misconduct, they enable the American people to hold the president accountable. Yet, if a president thinks he can fire a special prosecutor without incurring serious political damage, he has the power to do so. Ultimately, [the author] concludes, only the American people can decide whether the President is above the law."--, Publisher's website

A special kind of prosecutor -- The first one hundred years -- A cancer on the presidency -- The world Watergate made -- A new balance -- Can the president be charged with a crime? -- Can the president be compelled to testify under oath? -- Can the president obstruct justice? -- Can congress protect special prosecutors from the president? -- Epilogue: A double-edged sword

adult