WILDEST SINGLE-DAY ACT OF MERCY IN MODERN HISTORY: BIDEN COMMUTES SENTENCES OF 1,500, PARDONS 39 FOR NONVIOLENT CRIMES
President Joe Biden has taken the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history by commuting the sentences of about 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic. The commutations are for individuals who have served at least one year of their home confinement sentences.
The president also announced pardons for 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes. The move is seen as a way to address sentencing disparities and provide second chances for those who have shown remorse and rehabilitation.
“You can’t get to greatness without respecting the inherent dignity and worth of every human being,” Biden said in a statement. “America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances. As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities.”
This move follows a broad pardon for Biden’s son, Hunter, who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes. The president has also faced pressure from advocacy groups to pardon people on federal death row before the Trump administration takes over in January.
Clemency is the power of the president to pardon, reduce, or eliminate punishment. It is customary for a president to grant mercy at the end of his term using the power of the office to wipe away records or end prison terms.
The pardoned individuals include a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, a church deacon who has worked as an addiction counselor and youth counselor, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences, and a decorated military veteran. The president had previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons.
