President Biden made a significant move on Thursday by commuting the sentences of around 1,500 individuals who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to this, he also pardoned 39 Americans who were convicted of nonviolent crimes. This act of clemency is the largest single-day event of its kind in modern history.
The decision to release these individuals on home confinement was made due to the high risk of COVID-19 transmission in prisons. At one point, 1 in 5 prisoners had contracted the virus, prompting the need for their release to prevent further spread. President Biden acknowledged the importance of giving second chances and restoring opportunities for those who have shown remorse and rehabilitation.
This latest wave of clemency follows a previous pardon for his son Hunter, who faced charges related to gun and tax crimes. Advocacy groups have been pressuring Biden to extend pardons to a broader group of individuals, including those on federal death row, before the end of Trump’s term in January. There is also speculation about pre-emptive pardons for individuals involved in investigating Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
The individuals who were pardoned on Thursday had been convicted of nonviolent offenses such as drug crimes but had since turned their lives around. They include a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, a church deacon who works as an addiction and youth counselor, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences, and a decorated military veteran.
President Biden had previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons, including pardons for those convicted of marijuana offenses and violations of a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex. Calls for further pardons, such as that of environmental and human rights lawyer Steven Donziger, continue to be made by lawmakers.
As Biden’s term comes to an end, there is anticipation of more pardons to come. However, concerns about possible prosecution by the returning Trump administration have led to internal discussions about the use of this power. While the president has been considering the idea for several months, the decision to grant pardons would ultimately be up to the recipients.
A president has the authority to pardon or commute sentences, providing relief from guilt and punishment or reducing/eliminating the punishment without erasing the wrongdoing. Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter, despite previous pledges not to do so, has sparked debate and calls for more pardons for everyday Americans. Despite some backlash, the president remains focused on using his power to extend mercy and second chances to those deserving of it.
