5h·
24 sources

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.

This story was covered by 24 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Politics

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
Balanced

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by 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.

Informed by:

From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

  • President Biden's decision to commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates is a significant policy initiative aimed at addressing long-standing sentencing disparities, particularly for non-violent drug offenses.

  • Biden's actions are seen as a historical achievement in clemency grants, having issued more pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history during a single term.

  • Despite receiving bipartisan criticism, Biden maintains that his clemency actions are essential for rectifying past injustices and allowing inmates the chance to reintegrate into society.

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Highlights (20)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

  1. 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 Jones

    Mother Jones

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Left
  2. 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

    Reason

    Reason

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Center
  3. 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 Group

    World News Group

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Right
  4. 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 Blaze

    The Blaze

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Right
  5. 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 Globe

    Boston Globe

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  6. 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 News

    Straight Arrow News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  7. 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 Guardian

    The Guardian

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  8. 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 Jazeera

    Al Jazeera

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  9. 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 Herald

    Boston Herald

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  10. 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 News

    BBC News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  11. 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 Magazine

    TIME Magazine

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  12. 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

    CNBC

    CNBC

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  13. 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 News

    CBS News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  14. 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 Post

    New York Post

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  15. 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 TODAY

    USA TODAY

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  16. 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 News

    FOX News

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  17. 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

    NPR

    NPR

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  18. 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

    Newsmax

    Newsmax

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  1. Mother Jones
  2. Reason
  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