The Pardons Database by Hacking, but Legal is an independent investigative resource that tracks presidential pardons and commutations, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and patterns of executive clemency. Built as part of a broader investigative journalism project by security researcher Jackie Singh, the database compiles publicly available information alongside investigative reporting to provide deeper context into how and why pardons are granted.
The platform is designed to help researchers, journalists, and activists analyze trends in clemency decisions, including political influence, financial connections, and potential conflicts of interest. It serves as a critical tool for examining how executive power is used in practice, particularly in cases where pardons intersect with ongoing investigations, national security concerns, or high-profile legal cases. The broader Hacking But Legal project focuses on the intersection of cybersecurity, law, democracy, and systemic accountability, offering in-depth reporting on how institutional failures and opaque systems impact public trust.
For those engaged in investigative work, advocacy, or public accountability efforts, the Pardons Database provides a structured way to explore clemency actions and connect them to larger political and legal narratives. It is especially useful for tracking patterns over time and identifying cases that may warrant further scrutiny or public awareness.