Biden Commutes Sentences of Around 1,500 People, Pardons 39

President Joe Biden has taken a bold step, commuting sentences for 1,500 individuals and pardoning 39 others in the largest single-day clemency action in modern U.S. history.

At a Glance

Biden commuted sentences for 1,500 people on home confinement and pardoned 39 nonviolent offenders.
This action represents the largest single-day clemency in modern U.S. history.
The move follows Biden’s controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden.
Biden emphasizes the importance of second chances and addressing sentencing disparities.
Further clemency actions are expected in the coming weeks.

Unprecedented Clemency Action

President Joe Biden has taken an unprecedented step in criminal justice reform by commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals who were released on home confinement during the 2020 health emergency and pardoning 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. This action marks the largest single-day clemency in modern U.S. history, far surpassing the previous record set by Barack Obama, who commuted 330 sentences in a single day.

The commutations apply to those who have served at least one year on home confinement, with Biden stating that these individuals have demonstrated successful rehabilitation and commitment to their communities. The 39 pardons were granted to individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes who have shown remorse and rehabilitation, including a church deacon and a decorated military veteran.

BREAKING: President Joe Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and grants 39 pardons in biggest single-day act of clemency in modern US history. https://t.co/CdgD7A87NR

— The Associated Press (@AP) December 12, 2024

Biden’s Stance on Second Chances

In justifying his decision, Biden emphasized the importance of second chances and addressing sentencing disparities, particularly for nonviolent drug offenders. The President’s actions align with his campaign promises to reform the criminal justice system and end the federal death penalty.

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “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, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”

This move comes as Biden approaches the end of his term, a time when presidents traditionally exercise their clemency powers more freely. The White House has indicated that Biden plans to take further clemency actions in the coming weeks and will continue reviewing petitions.

Looking Ahead

As Biden’s term comes to a close, there is speculation about potential preemptive pardons to protect against prosecution by a future Trump administration. Advocacy groups are also urging Biden to pardon environmental lawyer Steven Donziger and commute sentences of federal death row prisoners.

While Biden’s actions represent a significant step in criminal justice reform, they also highlight the ongoing debate about the use of presidential pardons and the balance between justice and mercy in the American legal system. As the President considers further clemency actions, the nation watches to see how these decisions will shape the legacy of his administration and impact the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system.