> It's not how we've treated pardons in the past but the US has abandoned that as a deciding factor everywhere else.

What?

Nixon was pardoned without any conviction, or even charges.

"As a result of certain acts or omissions occurring before his resignation from the Office of President, Richard Nixon has become liable to possible indictment and trial for offenses against the United States."

"Now, Therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974."

The relevant court precedent on this is over 150 years old: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex_parte_Garland

"The court also ruled that the president can exercise the pardon power at any time after the commission of the crime..."