Jeffrey Crouch

Dr. Jeffrey Crouch serves as an associate professor of American politics at American University, specializing in federal executive clemency and the presidential pardon power. He is widely recognized as a leading expert in this niche field, frequently contributing commentary to major media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic, Los Angeles Times, Politico, NBC News, and Newsweek. Dr. Crouch holds multiple prestigious editorial positions, serving as Editor of Congress & the Presidency journal and Co-Editor of the Congressional Leaders book series for the University Press of Kansas. He is also a Fellow at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (CCPS).

• B.A. from Hope College
• J.D. from University of Michigan Law School
• Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America

Dr. Crouch's research centers on the constitutional and practical dimensions of presidential clemency, with particular focus on historical patterns, contemporary applications, and the evolving relationship between executive power and the justice system. His work examines how presidents from different eras have utilized pardon authority, the political implications of high-profile clemency decisions, and the institutional mechanisms surrounding the pardon process. He has extensively analyzed pardon practices across presidential administrations, with special attention to modern controversies involving Trump, Obama, and other recent presidents. His scholarship bridges legal theory, political history, and contemporary political analysis.

Dr. Crouch's publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output focused on executive power and presidential authority. His work shows a clear evolution from foundational research on the pardon power's theoretical framework toward increasingly applied analyses of contemporary presidential actions. While maintaining rigorous academic standards, his recent publications have become more engaged with current political debates, reflecting his dual role as scholar and public commentator. His interdisciplinary approach combines legal analysis, historical research, and political science methodology to examine presidential power through multiple lenses.

As an educator, Dr. Crouch teaches courses directly related to his research expertise, including The U.S. Presidency, The Presidency and the Executive Branch, and Presidential Scandals. His Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 course schedule indicates active teaching responsibilities. His role as Editor of Congress & the Presidency provides him with significant influence in shaping scholarly discourse in his field.

Dr. Crouch's affiliation with the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (CCPS) positions him within a major research hub focused on American political institutions. This center serves as an intellectual home for his work and provides opportunities for collaborative research with other scholars examining the interplay between different branches of government. His ongoing media presence demonstrates how his academic expertise translates into public discourse on critical constitutional issues.