US President Joe Biden has granted pardons to 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others serving long prison terms.
The clemency measures, announced on Thursday, December 12, 2024, reflect Biden’s commitment to addressing sentencing disparities, particularly for non-violent offenders and those convicted of drug-related offenses.
The commutations specifically benefit those who were placed under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Biden noting that these individuals would have faced shorter sentences under current laws. The pardons come just over a week after Biden signed an unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, drawing attention to his administration’s stance on criminal justice reform.
Biden highlighted the importance of offering second chances to individuals who have shown remorse and rehabilitation, aiming to restore opportunities for them to reintegrate into society. He emphasized that his administration would continue to review clemency petitions in the coming weeks.
This action marks the largest single-day clemency initiative under Biden’s presidency, surpassing previous records. The White House has indicated that further steps are expected to address clemency and justice reform.
