WASHINGTON — On Friday, President Joe Biden declared that he would commute the sentences of about 2,500 individuals found guilty of nonviolent crime involving drugs.
During his time in office, Biden, who just has three days left, has issued a large number of pardons and commutations. According to the White House, he has now granted more individual pardons and commutations than any other U.S. president with Friday’s total.
Those serving longer sentences than they would already receive under current law and practice are the target of the commutations.
In a statement released Friday, Biden said the clemency acts provide relief for those who received lengthy sentences based on antiquated sentencing enhancements for drug offenses and the disputed differences between crack and powder cocaine.
According to Biden, this move is a critical step in redressing historical wrongs, addressing sentencing inequities, and giving worthy people the chance to reunite with their loved ones after serving excessively long prison terms.
He added that he would keep looking into more pardons and commutations.
Biden reclassified the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life in prison without the possibility of parole in December. Three individuals were held on death row after being accused with terrorist and hate-motivated mass shootings.
Biden suspended the sentences of some 1,500 individuals who had been placed in house confinement during the coronavirus pandemic earlier that month. Additionally, he pardoned 39 individuals guilty of nonviolent offenses.
In December, Biden came under fire for giving his son, Hunter Biden, a complete and unconditional pardon for federal tax and weapons offenses. His prior stance on the issue was drastically reversed by the action.
