As his presidency concludes, Joe Biden announced the commutation of nearly 2,500 sentences for non-violent drug offenses, surpassing any predecessor in clemency actions. On Friday, Biden highlighted the unfairness of these sentences, many of which stemmed from outdated policies distinguishing crack and powder cocaine. “These individuals faced disproportionately long sentences compared to current laws,” Biden said in a statement.
The White House emphasized that the move corrects excessive penalties, including discredited sentencing enhancements for drug crimes. Earlier in December, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life without parole and granted pardons to 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes. Additionally, 1,500 others serving lengthy terms also received commutations.
Biden faced backlash for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted of tax violations and firearms-related charges. Advocacy groups and defense attorneys had pushed for clemency, spotlighting cases of excessive sentences and wrongful convictions.
Presidential clemency often occurs in the final days of a term. As Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at pardoning some of his supporters involved in the January 6 Capitol riots.
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