In a historic move, President Joe Biden has granted clemency to many individuals, issuing 39 pardons and commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others.
This represents the largest single-day act of presidential clemency in recent memory, reflecting Biden’s commitment to criminal justice reform and rehabilitation efforts. Under the US Constitution, the president holds the authority to grant pardons and reprieves for federal offences, with the exception of cases related to impeachment. Biden’s recent clemency actions signal his intention to address perceived injustices within the criminal justice system.
The individuals who received pardons predominantly faced convictions for non-violent crimes, such as drug offences, and had shown evidence of successful rehabilitation along with a focus on community betterment.
Among those who have benefited from clemency are a decorated military veteran and pilot who assisted church members, a nurse who played a critical role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and an addiction counsellor.
Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of individuals who were placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores his belief that many served excessively long sentences under antiquated laws. He expresses that these individuals have earned a second chance through their demonstrated commitment to reform. This recent wave of clemency follows Biden’s controversial decision earlier this month to grant a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who is facing sentencing for two separate criminal cases.
This action has ignited debate, with critics alleging political motivations behind the pardon, while Biden contends that the charges against his son were influenced by political bias. Biden’s clemency actions continue a broader trend of presidential pardons involving those with close ties to the president. For perspective, former President Donald Trump issued 237 acts of clemency during his first term, including 143 pardons and 94 commutations, many occurring in the closing days of his presidency.
As Biden’s term concludes on January 20, 2025—when President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated—he has indicated the potential for further clemency actions in the coming weeks. This may include pre-emptive pardons for notable critics of Trump, although Biden has expressed caution regarding the implications of such decisions. Throughout his presidency, Biden’s approach to clemency has evolved.
Notably, in October 2022, he issued a full pardon to individuals convicted of simple possession of marijuana, subsequently expanding this to encompass other marijuana-related offences. Earlier this year, he also granted a full pardon to military personnel and veterans who were convicted based on their sexual orientation.
