Biden Commutes Sentences Of Nearly 1,500 People, Pardons 39

Photo: Getty Images President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of roughly 1,500 people and pardoning 39 people in what the administration considers the biggest single-day act of clemency in modern history, per CNN. “America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement on Thursday (December 12), announcing the commutations and pardons. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.” The nearly 1500 people whose sentences are being commutated were placed in home confinement during the pandemic and were deemed to have displayed a clear commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities. The 39 pardons were granted to individuals convicted of non-violent crimes and considered to have demonstrated records of giving back to the country. “They are individuals who have secured employment, advanced their education, served as caretakers for their children and family members, and have really reintegrated into the tapestry of their communities,” an administration official told CNN. “They include individuals...