President Joe Biden announced on December 12, 2024, that he has granted clemency to 39 individuals, including 31 commutations and 8 pardons. This move reflects Biden’s ongoing commitment to criminal justice reform. Notable among the recipients is Teresa Lee, a former social worker who helped students gain access to scholarships; she was pardoned after serving 20 years for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Biden remarked, ‘We are giving people a second chance.’ In another significant decision, the president commuted the sentences of a group of individuals who have served lengthy terms for non-violent offenses. According to the White House, Biden’s clemency actions align with his efforts to alleviate the consequences of outdated and overly punitive policies that disproportionately affect communities of color. The administration has emphasized that these pardons and commutations are part of a larger effort to address systemic inequities in the justice system and promote rehabilitation. Advocates for criminal justice reform praised the decision, highlighting the importance of second chances in fostering social reintegration. Biden’s approach reflects a shift in federal policies aimed at more humane treatment of those incarcerated for non-violent crimes. In total, since taking office, Biden has granted clemency to over 100 individuals, signifying a notable increase compared to previous administrations’ efforts during similar periods.
