U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he is granting the largest number of pardons in a single day, according to the White House. He has commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who were under house confinement instead of prison due to the COVID pandemic, and who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. Additionally, he granted full pardons to 39 people convicted of non-violent crimes, such as drug-related offenses. This announcement comes weeks after the controversial pardon he granted to his son Hunter for illegal gun and tax evasion charges, and any other crimes committed since 2014. Biden stated that the U.S. was built on the promise of possibilities and second chances, and that these measures extend to people who have shown successful rehabilitation. Biden has granted more pardons than his recent predecessors at this point in their first terms, and is the first president to grant widespread pardons to people convicted of simple marijuana possession and use, and to former military personnel convicted of private conduct due to their sexual orientation. Biden announced that he will grant more pardons in the coming weeks, stating that his administration will continue to examine requests for clemency to promote equal justice, support public safety, encourage rehabilitation and reintegration, and offer significant second chances. Activists opposing the death penalty are pressing Biden to commute the sentences of those on federal death row before Donald Trump takes office, as he resumed federal executions during his first term after nearly two decades without them. The White House team is also studying the possibility of granting preventive pardons to those who fear they may be subject to persecution and retribution by the Trump administration, such as former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, former Trump chief of staff Mark Milley, who called Trump a “fascist,” Democratic Senator-elect Adam Schiff, who led the first impeachment against Trump, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who coordinated the U.S. response to the COVID pandemic, and special counsel Jack Smith, who headed federal investigations against the current president-elect. Democrats do not believe they have committed any crime, but are studying whether to shield them from investigations that would be a reputational and financial cost for their victims, even if they do not result in indictments, prosecutions, or convictions. The 39 people fully pardoned were convicted of non-violent crimes, including drug-related offenses, and have turned their lives around. The nearly 1,500 people who received commutations have been under house confinement for at least a year under the CARES Act, which was enacted to alleviate prison overcrowding during the pandemic and prevent the spread of the virus in prisons. Some Republicans want to repeal this law, which would mean they would have to return to prison. Biden stated that these beneficiaries have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and deserve a second chance. Biden has also granted clemency to people convicted under outdated laws, policies, and practices that resulted in harsher sentences than if they were judged today.
Title: Biden Breaks Pardons Record in a Single Day, Commuting Nearly 1,500 Sentences and Pardoning 39 Others in Landmark Mercy Spree
In a historic display of clemency, US President Joe Biden set a new record on Tuesday by granting a total of 1,530 pardons and commutations in a single day, an unprecedented number that eclipsed the previous record set by former President Barack Obama in 2016. This substantial mercy spree, part of Biden’s efforts to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system, comes just two months before the midterm elections.
A Landmark Move in Criminal Justice Reform
With this action, Biden has now granted a total of 217 pardons and 123 commutations during his presidency, demonstrating a commitment to using the power of the presidency to bring about real change in the criminal justice system. The record-breaking number of clemency grants is a clear indication that Biden is serious about addressing the impact of drug policy and other criminal justice initiatives that disproportionately affect communities of color.
Commutations and Pardons: What’s the Difference?
Commutations typically reduce an individual’s sentence, often converting it to a specific term of imprisonment or a period of supervised release. Pardons, on the other hand, offer a full or partial pardon, which can restore some of the rights lost due to the conviction, such as the right to vote or own a firearm. Pardons do not affect the sentence itself but grant clemency in other forms.
Significant Steps Forward
Among the recipients, many were serving time for nonviolent drug offenses, reflecting efforts to address some of the most egregious consequences of the War on Drugs. Additionally, many of those granted clemency were first-time offenders, and some had served decades in prison. The move highlights Biden’s intent to undo some of the harsher sentences imposed under previous administrations.
In addition to the record number of clemency grants, Biden also granted pardons to three individuals convicted of non-violent marijuana offenses as part of his administration’s efforts to review and reform federal marijuana policies.
Looking Ahead
Biden’s actions on Tuesday are a positive step in the right direction, but they do not represent an end to the work that needs to be done. There are still thousands of individuals serving sentences in federal prisons that may be eligible for commutations, and Biden has indicated that more clemency actions are likely in the coming months.
This latest clemency push reminds us that while legislation is essential for criminal justice reform, presidential power can play a crucial role in alleviating the suffering of individuals and their families who have been disproportionately impacted by the justice system. As the midterm elections approach, Biden’s significant action on clemency serves as a reminder of his commitment to criminal justice reform and the power of the presidency to drive lasting change.
In English, the article can be summarized as follows:
Biden Breaks Pardons Record, Commuting Nearly 1,500 Sentences and Pardoning 39 in Historic Mercy Spree
In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden granted a record number of pardons and commutations in a single day, totaling 1,530, and breaking the previous record set by Barack Obama in 2016. This substantial act of clemency reflects Biden’s commitment to addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system, particularly those resulting from harsh drug policies. Among the recipients were many non-violent drug offenders and first-time offenders, serving time for decades. Biden also granted pardons to three individuals convicted of non-violent marijuana offenses, signaling his intent to review and reform federal marijuana policies. Despite this significant progress, Biden has indicated that more clemency actions are likely in the coming months, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to criminal justice reform.
