Biden sets record with first-term clemency grants, here’s how others presidents rank

President Joe Biden made history last week by commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 prisoners and pardoning another 39 people, a move that sparked mixed reactions from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Democrats praised Biden for his bold actions, noting that his clemency decisions far outpaced those of any other U.S. president in their first term.

In a statement announcing the clemency actions, Biden emphasized the importance of second chances and the need to address sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, particularly those convicted of drug offenses. He highlighted the role of mercy in restoring opportunity for individuals to reintegrate into society and contribute to their communities.

However, some lawmakers and criminal justice reform advocates raised concerns about the administration’s decision-making process in selecting individuals for clemency. The Biden administration clarified that the decisions were based on a uniform criteria, including a record of good behavior while on house arrest.

Among those granted clemency were individuals with high-profile cases, such as former Illinois city comptroller Rita Crundwell and former Pennsylvania judge Michael Conahan. Conahan’s inclusion on the list drew sharp criticism from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who called it a wrong decision that had caused pain in the community.

Comparisons were also made to past presidents’ clemency actions, with Biden’s grants far surpassing those of his predecessor, Donald Trump. During his first term, Trump granted just 143 pardons and 93 sentence commutations, a stark difference from Biden’s recent actions.

Former President Barack Obama, on the other hand, granted clemency to 1,927 individuals during his two terms, focusing primarily on non-violent drug offenders affected by mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Critics of Obama’s clemency initiatives accused him of overstepping his authority and influencing sentencing laws.

The differences in clemency criteria between administrations have raised questions about the role of the president in granting pardons and commutations. While some presidents have relied on recommendations from the Department of Justice, others have made decisions independently.

As Biden’s clemency actions continue to spark debate, it remains to be seen how his approach to addressing sentencing disparities and restoring second chances will shape the future of criminal justice reform in the United States.