Biden Commutes About 1,500 Sentences Ahead of Departure From Office

President Joe Biden has commuted an unprecedented number of sentences while pardoning 39 Americans.

At a Glance

President Biden commuted sentences of 1,500 individuals on home confinement.
A total of 39 pardons were granted for nonviolent offenses.
The move marks the largest single-day clemency action in modern U.S. history.
Biden emphasized the importance of second chances and criminal justice reform.

Historic Clemency Action

President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of approximately 1,500 people who were released to home confinement amid the 2020 health emergency, marking the most significant single-day clemency in modern U.S. history. This landmark decision aims to address long-standing concerns within the criminal justice system while promoting second chances for individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes.

Biden also pardoned 39 people, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and integrating pardoned individuals back into society. The clemencies predominantly target those who served at least one year in home confinement.

Biden commutes 1,500 sentences—the most pardons by a president in a day https://t.co/DMgjNKGTIe

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) December 12, 2024

Biden’s Statement

Of his decision to issue the pardons and grant clemency, Biden said, “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, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”

Individuals receiving pardons include those convicted of nonviolent drug offenses and notable figures like a former military veteran and a church deacon turned counselor.

Future Implications

Biden’s move aligns with his administration’s commitment to criminal justice reform, particularly regarding nonviolent offenders. The Biden administration continues to review clemency petitions, indicating possible further pardons and commutations. The clemency initiative is applauded by human rights activists and advocacy groups, marking a significant step towards addressing sentencing disparities.

“I will take more steps in the weeks ahead. My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances,” Biden said.

This decision raises discussions regarding pardons’ scope, with some pressing Biden to extend clemency powers more widely, especially concerning federal death row inmates.

Broader Context and Reactions

While Biden’s actions thoroughly underscore his campaign promises, they also fuel ongoing conversations about preferential treatments, notably following controversial pardons of his son, Hunter Biden. Public opinion reportedly remains divided, as polls by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research suggest limited support for such personal pardons. Biden continues collaborating with legal advisors to explore broader clemency efforts, with additional updates anticipated as his term progresses.