Trump’s claim of an absolute right to pardon himself at first reminded me of the legal doctrine of crown immunity. It asserts  “The King can do no wrong,” and is therefore immune from legal action. Problem is, of course, that Trump cannot invoke this principle because he is not a King, though he is too ready to arrogate to himself regal powers.

On second thought, Trump’s claim of the right of self pardon, so heartily seconded by the Pardon Party, sc., Giuliani, the Freedom Caucus, et al., seems closer instead to the allegation sometimes brought against sodomite priests in the Middle Ages, that after sodomizing one another they would seek absolution by confessing their sodomy to one another.