In a significant exercise of executive power, President Joe Biden has issued 39 presidential pardons and commuted the sentences of over 1500 individuals, a move that is being hailed as a major step towards criminal justice reform.
The pardons and commutations, announced on April 26, 2023, are the result of a thorough review process conducted by the Department of Justice and the White House Counsel’s Office. The individuals benefiting from these actions were convicted of a range of non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and other non-violent felonies.
According to the White House, the pardons and commutations are intended to address disparities in the criminal justice system, particularly with regard to racial and socioeconomic disparities. Many of the individuals receiving clemency have already served significant portions of their sentences and have demonstrated good behavior while incarcerated.
The pardons granted by President Biden will restore the civil rights of the individuals affected, allowing them to vote, hold public office, and possess firearms. In addition, the commutations will reduce the sentences of the affected individuals, allowing them to return to their families and communities sooner.
This move is seen as a major departure from the policies of the previous administration, which was criticized for its limited use of clemency powers. President Biden’s actions are also being hailed as a significant step towards addressing the issue of mass incarceration, which has disproportionately affected communities of color.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a leading advocacy group on criminal justice issues, praised the President’s actions, stating that “today’s announcement is a critical step towards correcting the injustices of our criminal justice system.” The ACLU also urged the President to continue using his clemency powers to address the thousands of pending petitions from individuals seeking relief.
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) also welcomed the news, stating that “this is a momentous day for our clients, their families, and the entire criminal defense community.”
While the President’s actions have been widely praised, some critics have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with releasing large numbers of individuals from prison. However, the White House has emphasized that the individuals benefiting from these actions have undergone a rigorous review process and have demonstrated good behavior while incarcerated.
In addition to the pardons and commutations, the White House also announced a series of initiatives aimed at supporting individuals released from prison, including job training programs, education and employment services, and substance abuse treatment.
Overall, President Biden’s sweeping clemency actions are a significant development in the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform, and are likely to have a major impact on the lives of thousands of individuals and families across the United States.
