President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of over 2,000 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, making him the president with the most individual pardons and commutations in U.S. history. This decision is aimed at addressing sentencing disparities, particularly in cases involving crack and powder cocaine, and outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes. Biden’s actions are seen as an important step in rectifying historic wrongs and providing deserving individuals with the chance to reintegrate into their communities after spending excessive time behind bars. Last month, Biden also commuted nearly 1,500 sentences and issued pardons for 39 people as part of another clemency action. The president indicated that he may take further clemency actions before leaving office on Monday. The move to commute the sentences of individuals affected by sentencing disparities was prompted by the advocacy of almost two dozen congressional Democrats, who argued that harsher penalties for crack cocaine had disproportionately harmed communities of color. Biden’s clemency record surpasses that of previous presidents, including Donald Trump and Barack Obama. One of Biden’s most controversial clemency decisions was pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, which drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Biden’s commitment to reviewing additional commutations and pardons demonstrates his dedication to addressing injustices within the criminal justice system.
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Biden Breaks Record for Most Pardons and Commutations in New Round of Clemency Aimed at Nonviolent Drug Offenders
