President Joe Biden enacted the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history on Thursday, commuting the sentences of 1,500 individuals and granting 39 presidential pardons, highlighting his administration's push for equal justice and meaningful second chances.
Biden emphasized, "America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” reflecting his belief in rehabilitation and opportunity as vital components of justice.
The clemency granted primarily affecting individuals released on home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic mainly targeted non-violent offenders who showed successful rehabilitation, setting a precedent for future justice reforms.
This clemency announcement dwarfs the previous single-day record of 330 acts of clemency set by former President Barack Obama in 2017, marking a significant shift in Biden's administration.
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