Historic Day: Biden Commutes 1,500 Sentences, Sets New Record
President Joe Biden made history on Thursday by commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and pardoning 39 others. This marked the largest single-day act of clemency in modern presidential history.
The commutations primarily benefited individuals serving long prison sentences. These sentences would be shorter under current laws and practices. Furthermore, these individuals had been successfully living under home confinement since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 39 pardons were granted to Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes, including drug offenses from decades ago.
Among those pardoned was 39-year-old Emily Good Nelson of Indianapolis. Nelson was convicted of non-violent drug offenses at age 19. Since then, she has earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working in healthcare.
The action comes as Biden faces pressure from advocates and Democrats. They urge him to exercise clemency powers for the 40 men on federal death row before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. This is due to Trump’s history of expediting executions.