Biden Commutes Thousands As He Prepares to Leave Office

Biden speaking at podium with American flags behind.

President Biden commutes sentences for nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders, marking a significant shift in criminal justice reform.

At a Glance

Biden commutes sentences for about 2,500 inmates convicted of non-violent drug offenses.
Action addresses disproportionately long sentences, particularly for crack versus powder cocaine offenses.
Move aligns with Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 and First Step Act of 2018.
Biden now holds record for most individual pardons and commutations in U.S. history.
White House has not released names of those receiving commutations.

Biden’s Historic Clemency Action

President Joe Biden has taken a bold step in criminal justice reform by commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses. This action, announced in the final days of his presidency, addresses long-standing concerns about disproportionate sentencing, particularly in cases involving crack versus powder cocaine offenses.

The commutations align with previous legislative efforts, including the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 and the First Step Act of 2018, which aimed to correct sentencing disparities in the criminal justice system. Biden’s move significantly impacts those who received lengthy sentences based on outdated or discredited sentencing guidelines.

Record-Breaking Clemency

With this latest action, Biden has solidified his position as the president who has issued the most individual pardons and commutations in U.S. history. On December 12, he granted the largest single-day clemency, commuting 1,500 sentences and pardoning 39 individuals. This unprecedented use of clemency power has drawn both praise and criticism from various corners.

“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes.” – Biden

The White House has not released the names of those receiving commutations, maintaining a level of discretion around the process. As of January 13, there were still 1,947 individuals awaiting pardons and approximately 6,625 cases awaiting commutation, indicating the scale of the clemency review process.

Controversy and Criticism

While Biden’s clemency actions have been praised by some as a step towards criminal justice reform, they have also faced bipartisan criticism. Notably, Biden has faced scrutiny for commuting the sentences of 37 out of 40 people on federal death row, converting them to life imprisonment. Additionally, his decision to pardon his son Hunter for federal gun and tax violations has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the use of presidential clemency powers.

Despite the controversy, Biden has expressed pride in his clemency record and plans to continue reviewing cases before his term ends. This approach reflects a broader shift in criminal justice policy, emphasizing rehabilitation and second chances over purely punitive measures.

“With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history.” – Biden

Looking Ahead

It’s common practice for outgoing presidents to issue targeted pardons for allies before leaving office. Biden’s team has indicated that additional commutations and pardons may be reviewed before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

“This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.” – Biden

With the transition of power, the impact of Biden’s clemency actions will continue to be a topic of discussion and debate. These decisions reflect a significant shift in approach to criminal justice, particularly regarding non-violent drug offenses, and may set a precedent for future administrations to consider.