I certainly understand this feeling. But, the judge handed down the sentence, not a jury. And part of the reasoning is that juries often are swayed by emotion, and don't necessarily understand or follow well the legal nuances and guidelines. Which is why the jury makes recommendations for sentencing to the judge - but supposedly the judge makes a reasonable with respect to the law sentence taking into account the jury's recommendations.
I'd agree - but it's not a pardon - merely a changing of the sentence in the Libby case. Heads of state all over have rights to pardon criminals and commute sentences. Governors do it, heck - I bet in some cases of local laws that local officials can do so.
ellice