24 sources·Politics

Biden Commutes Nearly 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Offenses, Setting Clemency Record

In a final act of clemency, President Biden commuted 2,500 sentences, addressing historical disparities in drug-related sentences, especially between crack and powder cocaine.

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  1. Biden Makes History by Commuting 4,000 Total Sentences in Last Days in Office

    Biden's historic decision marks a significant step towards addressing the unjust racial disparities entrenched in the criminal justice system, reflecting a commitment to rectify past wrongs related to drug sentencing.

    Biden Makes History by Commuting 4,000 Total Sentences in Last Days in Office

    Mother JonesMother Jones·3M
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  2. Biden has now issued far more commutations than any of his predecessors

    While Biden's recent commutations demonstrate a commitment to rectify his past support for harsh drug laws, it is pivotal to acknowledge the severe impact those laws have had on countless lives, highlighting a complex legacy that intertwines progress with regret.

    Biden has now issued far more commutations than any of his predecessors

    ReasonReason·3M
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  3. Biden commutes roughly 2,500 drug offenders’ sentences

    Biden's record-setting number of pardons and sentence commutations highlights the urgent need to rectify the injustices of outdated laws that disproportionately affected non-violent drug offenders.

    Biden commutes roughly 2,500 drug offenders’ sentences

    World News GroupWorld News Group·3M
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  4. Biden continues 11th-hour clemency blitz, commuting sentences for another 2,500 criminals

    Biden's latest clemency actions are framed not only as a significant achievement in criminal justice reform but as a crucial move towards rectifying past injustices and addressing systemic sentencing disparities.

    Biden continues 11th-hour clemency blitz, commuting sentences for another 2,500 criminals

    The BlazeThe Blaze·3M
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  5. Biden sets record by commuting sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges

    Biden’s recent clemency actions not only represent a significant move towards rectifying historical injustices in the criminal justice system but also underscore his commitment to addressing the long-standing disparities faced by individuals with nonviolent drug offenses.

    Biden sets record by commuting sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges

    Boston GlobeBoston Globe·3M
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  6. Biden commutes nearly 2,500 sentences, targets drug sentencing disparities

    Biden’s unprecedented clemency actions highlight a decisive commitment to correcting past injustices within the criminal justice system, aiming to reunite individuals with their families and signal a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding nonviolent drug offenses.

    Biden commutes nearly 2,500 sentences, targets drug sentencing disparities

    Straight Arrow NewsStraight Arrow News·3M
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  7. Joe Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

    Biden's unprecedented wave of commutations not only highlights a last-minute effort to address longstanding systemic inequities in drug sentencing but also serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for criminal justice reforms that acknowledge past injustices.

    Joe Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

    The GuardianThe Guardian·3M
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  8. Biden grants clemency to 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug crimes

    By commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug crimes, Biden's administration is taking a significant step towards rectifying past injustices and addressing longstanding disparities in sentencing.

    Biden grants clemency to 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug crimes

    Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·3M
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  9. Biden sets record by commuting sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges

    Biden's clemency actions reflect a commitment to addressing the long-standing injustices within the criminal justice system, paving the way for meaningful reform and highlighting the need to rectify outdated sentencing practices.

    Biden sets record by commuting sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges

    Boston HeraldBoston Herald·3M
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  10. Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

    Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals signifies a pivotal shift in acknowledging and rectifying the longstanding injustices of the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for reform in sentencing practices that have disproportionately affected marginalized communities.

    Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

    BBC NewsBBC News·3M
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  11. Biden Sets Record Commuting Sentences During Final Week

    Biden's decisive clemency actions are aimed at correcting historical injustices and addressing sentencing disparities that have plagued the justice system for far too long.

    Biden Sets Record Commuting Sentences During Final Week

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·3M
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  12. Biden sets record for most pardons and commutations with new round of clemency for nonviolent drug offenders

    Biden's decision to commute the sentences of over 2,000 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses not only highlights his commitment to rectifying past injustices but also underscores the need for a more equitable approach to sentencing disparities that have disproportionately affected communities of color.

    Biden sets record for most pardons and commutations with new round of clemency for nonviolent drug offenders

    CNBCCNBC·3M
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  13. Biden sets presidential pardons, commutations record as he commutes almost 2,500 more sentences

    President Biden's decisive clemency actions reflect a commitment to correcting past injustices in the U.S. criminal justice system, particularly for those convicted under outdated and disproportionate drug laws.

    Biden sets presidential pardons, commutations record as he commutes almost 2,500 more sentences

    CBS NewsCBS News·3M
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  14. Biden commutes nearly 2,500 more sentences in final days of presidency

    Biden's unprecedented use of clemency reflects a bold commitment to address injustices in the criminal justice system, particularly for those unfairly sentenced under outdated laws.

    Biden commutes nearly 2,500 more sentences in final days of presidency

    New York PostNew York Post·3M
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  15. Joe Biden commutes 2,500 'disproportionately long' drug offenses in final presidency days

    Biden's decision to commute 2,500 sentences represents a significant effort to address unjust sentencing practices and rectify the lingering injustices that have disproportionately impacted Black communities.

    Joe Biden commutes 2,500 'disproportionately long' drug offenses in final presidency days

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·3M
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  16. Biden commutes nearly 2,500 more sentences in final days of presidency

    Biden's commitment to addressing sentencing disparities marks a significant effort to rectify historical injustices and highlight the inadequacies of past drug laws.

    Biden commutes nearly 2,500 more sentences in final days of presidency

    FOX NewsFOX News·3M
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  17. Biden shortens sentences for nearly 2,500 people, setting a record

    Biden's commitment to clemency reflects a significant shift towards addressing the injustices of past drug sentencing policies, showcasing both a historical reckoning and an ongoing effort to rectify disparities in the legal system.

    Biden shortens sentences for nearly 2,500 people, setting a record

    NPRNPR·3M
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  18. Biden Commutes 2,500 Sentences for Non-Violent Drug Offenders

    Biden's unprecedented actions to commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals highlight a crucial step towards rectifying the injustices of outdated drug laws, showcasing a commitment to rebuilding the lives of those impacted by the failed war on drugs.

    Biden Commutes 2,500 Sentences for Non-Violent Drug Offenders

    NewsmaxNewsmax·3M
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  1. Mother Jones
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  3. World News Group
  4. The Blaze
  5. Boston Globe
  6. Straight Arrow News
  7. The Guardian
  8. Al Jazeera
  9. Boston Herald
  10. BBC News
  11. TIME Magazine
  12. CNBC
  13. CBS News
  14. New York Post
  15. USA TODAY
  16. Associated Press
  17. FOX News
  18. NBC News
  19. NPR
  20. Newsmax

Updated: Jan 17th, 2025, 3:42 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

In his last days in office, President Biden set a record by commuting sentences of nearly 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders, correcting historic sentencing disparities related to crack and powder cocaine. The actions, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward drug offenses, aim to reunite individuals with their communities and address legacy injustices in the criminal justice system. This follows previous clemency actions and may precede additional pardons before his term concludes.


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Biden Commutes Nearly 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Offenses, Setting Clemency Record - Pano News