Washington, D.C. (AP) – President Joe Biden made a historic move by commuting the sentences of around 1,500 individuals who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he pardoned 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes in what is considered the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. These individuals had been serving home confinement sentences for at least one year following their release in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus in prisons, where 1 in 5 inmates were reported to have contracted COVID-19.
The commutations are part of Biden’s commitment to addressing sentencing disparities, particularly for nonviolent offenders, and providing opportunities for rehabilitation and second chances. Prior to this, the former president, Barack Obama, granted 330 acts of clemency before leaving office in 2017. Biden emphasized the importance of extending mercy to those who have shown remorse and rehabilitation, allowing them to contribute to society and their communities.
Among those granted clemency were individuals who had been convicted of drug offenses but had since reformed their lives. These included a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, a church deacon working as an addiction and youth counselor, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences, and a decorated military veteran. The clemency extended by Biden included previous acts of pardons for those convicted of marijuana use and possession on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, as well as former U.S. service members convicted of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex.
Looking ahead, Biden is expected to issue more pardons and commutations before leaving office on January 20. However, discussions are ongoing regarding potential preemptive pardons to guard against prosecution by the incoming administration. The president has been weighing this option for months and is contemplating its implications before making a final decision. While receiving a pardon is a customary practice for outgoing presidents, the possibility of preemptive pardons raises questions about the extent of the president’s power in exercising clemency.
In light of political pressures and public opinions, Biden’s decisions regarding clemency have been met with differing perspectives. Advocates for criminal justice reform have urged for broader use of pardons, while lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential precedent set by preemptive pardons. As the president navigates these complex decisions, the impact of his clemency actions will undoubtedly shape conversations around justice and mercy in the months to come.