President Joe Biden has made history by granting clemency to approximately 1,500 individuals who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he has pardoned 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.
The commutations announced by the White House are for individuals who have completed at least one year of home confinement after their release. This decision comes as prisons were identified as high-risk environments for COVID-19 transmission, with approximately 1 in 5 prisoners contracting the virus at one point.
In a statement, President Biden emphasized the importance of second chances and restoring opportunities for individuals who have shown remorse and rehabilitation. He expressed his commitment to reviewing more clemency petitions in the coming weeks.
The pardoned individuals include those who have made significant positive contributions to society, such as leading emergency response teams, working as addiction counselors, pursuing advanced education, and serving in the military.
President Biden had previously issued a total of 122 commutations and 21 other pardons, including pardons for individuals convicted of marijuana-related offenses and former service members charged under a repealed military ban.
Advocates are urging the president to consider additional pardons, including for environmental and human rights lawyer Steven Donziger and federal death row prisoners. The president's attorney general, Merrick Garland, has paused federal executions, but concerns remain about the potential resumption of executions under the incoming administration.
As President Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, more pardons are expected. However, there is uncertainty regarding potential preemptive pardons to guard against prosecution by the next administration.
The power of clemency allows a president to pardon individuals, relieving them of guilt and punishment, or commute sentences, reducing or eliminating penalties without exonerating the wrongdoing. It is customary for presidents to grant clemency at the end of their terms, often using this power to address injustices or provide second chances.
President Biden's recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter, sparked public debate and calls for further use of clemency powers. While the move was met with mixed reactions, the president's focus remains on addressing sentencing disparities and promoting rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders.
