President Joe Biden has granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted of non-violent drug crimes, issuing pardons to 11 men and women and commuting the sentences of five other people in the latest use of his clemency power to address racial disparities in the justice system.
Quick Read
- Presidential Clemency Actions: President Joe Biden has granted clemency to 16 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses, comprising 11 pardons and five commuted sentences.
- Focus on Racial Disparities: These actions are part of Biden’s ongoing efforts to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system, particularly highlighting the issue during April’s Second Chance Month.
- Reelection Campaign Context: Biden’s use of clemency powers also ties into his reelection campaign strategy, aiming to reinforce support among communities of color ahead of a potential rematch with Donald Trump in November.
- Commitment to Reform: The clemency recipients were selected based on their efforts to improve their lives and contributions to their communities, reflecting Biden’s broader commitment to justice reform and public safety.
- Previous Clemency Actions: This follows Biden’s December 2023 pardons issued to thousands for simple marijuana possession on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, underscoring his administration’s progressive stance on drug-related offenses.
The Associated Press has the story:
Biden pardons 11 people, shortens sentences of 5 others convicted of non-violent drug crimes
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP) —
President Joe Biden has granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted of non-violent drug crimes, issuing pardons to 11 men and women and commuting the sentences of five other people in the latest use of his clemency power to address racial disparities in the justice system.
Biden said in a statement Wednesday that April is Second Chance Month and that many of the individuals getting clemency had received “disproportionately longer” sentences than they would have under current law.
The Democratic president is campaigning for reelection in November and is grappling with how to boost support from communities of color that heavily supported him over Republican Donald Trump in the 2020 election. The two rivals are headed for a likely rematch in November.
“Like my other clemency actions, these pardons and commutations reflect my overarching commitment to addressing racial disparities and improving public safety,” Biden said.
Biden said those receiving pardons had shown a commitment to bettering their lives and doing good in their communities. Those who had their sentences commuted, or shortened, had shown they are worthy of forgiveness and the chance to build a future outside of prison, he said.
The president issued his most recent previous pardons in December 2023 to thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia.
