Biden Uses Executive Power To Commute Around 1,500 Sentences

President Joe Biden has used his executive power to commute 1,500 sentences and pardon 39 Americans.

At a Glance

Biden pardoned 39 Americans and commuted around 1,500 sentences.
Presidential pardon controversies often arise with end-of-term actions.
Biden’s clemency includes significant sentence commutations for non-violent offenders.
This represents one of the largest single-day clemency actions.

Biden’s Clemency

President Joe Biden has made the decision to utilize his presidential powers by pardoning 39 individuals and commuting 1,500 sentences. Historically, presidential pardons, especially those involving relatives or close associates, have stirred public debate and media scrutiny. This trend follows previous administrations, such as Trump and Clinton. However, Biden’s clemency is particularly historic, as it breaks the record for the number of commutations issued in a single day.

Such clemency measures are authorized by Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, permitting the President to grant pardons for federal offenses, excluding impeachment cases. There are four types of clemency: pardon, amnesty, commutation, and reprieve. A pardon does not erase a conviction but may restore civil rights lost following a conviction, aiding employment or licensing opportunities.

Understanding Presidential Pardoning

The process of presidential pardoning is laced with historical precedents of both criticism and significance. Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon remains one of the most discussed presidential pardons, impacting Ford’s political career. Comparatively, Biden’s recent decision to extend mercy to his son, Hunter Biden, reflects a similar controversial edge. However, Biden has emphasized the importance of second chances.

Biden highlights the commitment to offer clemency to those who showed rehabilitation and commitment to their communities. Many of those pardoned were individuals facing long sentences for non-violent offenses, intending this act to rectify past sentencing disparities. The President noted that his actions are restoring “opportunity for Americans” who have demonstrated regret and reform.

A Historic Act of Clemency

This recent move marks a record single-day clemency action, larger than any by previous presidents in a single event. Historically, Biden has been more conservative in issuing individual pardons compared to his predecessors like Obama and Trump. This round of clemency is part of Biden’s broader strategy to overhaul punitive sentencing practices, particularly those regarding drug offenses.

Looking forward, Biden has promised additional clemency actions and emphasized that the United States, at its core, believes in second chances. These latest actions are in line with that belief, providing a pathway to reintegration and opportunity for marginalized communities affected by stringent sentencing laws. The White House notably highlighted acts of mercy towards individuals such as veterans and healthcare workers contributing positively to society.