Biden’s final list of commutations released

President Biden made headlines once again as he released his final list of commutations on Friday afternoon. The list included nearly 2,500 inmates whose sentences were reduced by the president’s action. This latest round of commutations solidifies Biden’s position as the president with the largest number of pardons and commutations granted to individuals.

According to a statement from President Biden, the individuals on the list were deemed to have received disproportionately harsh sentences for drug crimes, especially compared to the sentences they would receive today. Biden specifically mentioned the disparities in sentencing for crack and powder cocaine offenses, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes.

This move by President Biden comes after he already set a record for the largest single-day act of presidential clemency last month. During that time, he commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of these individuals were accused of committing non-violent drug offenses.

Following last month’s commutations, several Democrats urged Biden to issue even more pardons and commutations for individuals serving long sentences. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., who was among those advocating for action, commended the president for his decision on Friday.

In a statement, Pressley praised President Biden for his “historic, transformative, and compassionate step” in commuting the sentences of thousands of individuals serving unjustly lengthy sentences as a result of failed War on Drugs policies. She emphasized the power of clemency in addressing the injustices of the criminal legal system and expressed gratitude to President Biden for using his authority to change and save lives.

It is clear that President Biden’s actions in granting clemency to these individuals will have a lasting impact on their lives and the criminal justice system. This bold move is seen as a defining part of President Biden’s legacy, demonstrating leadership and compassion in addressing long-standing issues within the justice system.

As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of reforming outdated policies and addressing injustices within the criminal justice system. President Biden’s commitment to using clemency to right these wrongs is a step in the right direction towards a more equitable and just society.