On December 12, 2024, President Joe Biden took a significant step towards criminal justice reform by granting pardons to 39 individuals and commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people, marking it as the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history.
The pardons were issued to those convicted of non-violent offenses, emphasizing rehabilitation and second chances. The commutation of sentences primarily affected individuals who had been on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of whom would have received shorter sentences under current legal standards.
Biden’s statement highlighted his commitment to addressing racial disparities in sentencing, promoting public safety, and providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
This move reflects a broader effort by the administration to reform the criminal justice system, with advocates praising the action as a step towards rectifying past injustices.
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