President Emphasises Justice Reform and Second Chances in Historic Act
In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden has granted the largest single-day clemency in modern US history, commuting the sentences of around 1,500 individuals and issuing 39 pardons. With only 40 days left in office, Biden announced the decision, focusing on prisoners who had served at least one year of home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This announcement follows Biden’s controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, for federal charges earlier in December. The president also pardoned US citizens convicted of non-violent offences, particularly drug-related crimes, emphasising rehabilitation and equality in sentencing.
“America was founded on the principles of possibility and second chances,” Biden stated. He explained that his role includes offering clemency to those who have shown genuine remorse and made efforts to reintegrate into society, while addressing sentencing disparities that disproportionately affect certain groups.
Thursday’s clemency actions included individuals like a nurse who led emergency disaster responses, a pilot aiding church members in need, and an addiction counsellor supporting at-risk youth. The Biden administration has vowed to continue reviewing clemency petitions to promote justice and reintegration.
Presidential powers to pardon or commute sentences apply exclusively to federal offences, not state crimes. The recent acts outpace the clemency record set by Barack Obama, who issued 330 in a single day in 2017, now the second-largest single-day total.
The president’s actions also address the impact of the pandemic on incarcerated populations. During the height of Covid-19, one in five prisoners contracted the virus, prompting the release of some inmates to home confinement to curb infections.
Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter has drawn criticism. Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted on federal gun charges in June and pleaded guilty to tax-related offences in September. Biden defended his decision, claiming that Hunter was unfairly targeted by prosecutors and reaffirming that he had avoided involvement in his son’s legal cases.
The clemency announcement coincides with pressure from advocates urging Biden to address systemic issues, including federal death row cases. Additionally, the administration is reportedly considering preemptive pardons for individuals who may face retribution under the upcoming Trump administration, particularly those involved in investigating election interference.
