President Joe Biden announced Thursday the commutation of sentences for nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses.
The move, described as a landmark step in addressing racial and sentencing disparities, underscores the administration’s commitment to criminal justice reform and rectifying injustices stemming from outdated drug laws.
“With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history,” President Biden stated. “Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes. It is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities.”
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The commutations focus on individuals serving disproportionately long sentences for offenses that would be treated far more leniently under current laws, such as those established through the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 and the First Step Act of 2018. These laws were pivotal in reducing sentencing disparities, particularly the controversial and racially biased distinction between crack and powder cocaine offenses.
“This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars,” Biden added.
The Legal Action Center (LAC), a leading advocate for drug policy reform, praised the president’s decision as a major step toward equity and justice. In a statement, the organization highlighted bipartisan public support for treating substance use disorder as a health issue rather than a criminal one.
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“Addressing the longstanding disparities in sentencing, particularly the unjust distinction between crack and powder cocaine, is essential to righting the wrongs of a past era,” the LAC statement read. “This decision not only acknowledges the harm caused by punitive policies of the War on Drugs but also reflects a collective desire to prioritize health and rehabilitation over punishment.”
Recent polling commissioned by the LAC underscores bipartisan agreement on the need for reform. The survey found that 75% of Americans, including 64% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats, support addressing substance use disorder as a health issue rather than a criminal one.
“This is a historic decision that reflects the will of the American people,” the LAC stated. “We urge the incoming administration to continue these efforts, focusing on humane and rehabilitative approaches that promote health, reduce racial disparities, and offer true justice to those impacted.”
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Advocates hope this action will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at transforming the criminal justice system into one that emphasizes fairness, equity, and rehabilitation over punishment.
“This is a moment for healing and progress,” Biden said. “As we move forward, we must continue working to build a justice system that upholds the values of equity and humanity.”
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