President Biden’s promise to use his pardon power broadly to address mass incarceration has yet to be fully realized.While he has granted clemency to some individuals, his overall number of pardons falls short of his predecessors, including President trump.
With time running out in his presidency, advocates are urging Biden to take decisive action on clemency, arguing that it is a powerful tool for righting past injustices and offering second chances. “Even in our freedom, we never forget that we have left behind many good people who deserve justice and mercy,” wrote over 50 clemency recipients in a recent letter to the President.
The stories of individuals like robin Peoples, Dion Walker, and April Rice highlight the urgent need for broader clemency action. peoples, sentenced to 110 years for non-violent bank robberies, was granted early release by a judge who deemed his sentence “astonishingly unreasonable.” However,federal prosecutors challenged the decision,forcing Peoples back into prison despite his exemplary rehabilitation and the support of his community and former employer.
“Keeping him incarcerated would be ‘a waste of taxpayers’ money,'” wrote 60 prison staff members who have witnessed Peoples’ positive transformation firsthand.
Dion Walker’s case exemplifies the harsh realities of the “war on drugs.” Sentenced to life in prison under the “three strikes” law for selling drugs to an informant, Walker’s sentence is seen by many as a relic of a bygone era.
Thes stories, and countless others, underscore the need for President Biden to fulfill his promise of using his pardon power to address mass incarceration and provide relief to deserving individuals. As a criminal defense attorney with two decades of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of clemency and urge the President to act decisively before his term ends.
President biden has the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of countless Americans by using his clemency power to grant relief to individuals serving excessively long sentences for non-violent drug offenses. This is not just a matter of criminal justice reform; it’s about upholding fundamental principles of fairness and second chances.
Consider the case of Peoples, a Black man who received a life sentence for a non-violent drug offense. “He is a model example,” said his current judge, echoing the sentiment of many who believe Peoples’ sentence is far too harsh. Despite being a model prisoner, he remains confined in a high-security U.S. prison, a system currently facing severe staffing shortages that threaten the safety of both inmates and staff.
Peoples has a strong support system waiting for him, including a fiancé and several job offers in his hometown. his story is a powerful reminder that even those who have made mistakes deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Similarly, April Rice was sentenced to 20 years for a non-violent drug offense. Today, her sentence would be considerably shorter due to changes in sentencing laws. in 2022, Rice was allowed to serve the remainder of her sentence at home under the CARES Act, a testament to her exemplary behavior and low risk of reoffending. Her superiors praise her dedication and work ethic.
Despite her success, Rice’s freedom remains precarious. Some legislators have proposed sending her and approximately 1,500 other individuals who are thriving under home confinement back to prison. This would be a cruel and unjust reversal of progress.
President Biden has the power to prevent this injustice. By granting commutations to Rice and others like her,he can demonstrate his commitment to a more just and compassionate criminal justice system.
“There are many people like Peoples, Walker, and Rice who have done their time and deserve a second chance,” writes Erica Zunkel, a clinical professor and director of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School. “With the stroke of his pen,biden can cement his legacy as a champion of tolerance for everyone,not just those lucky enough to be his sons.”
President Biden’s clemency power is a tool for justice and redemption. By using it wisely, he can make a lasting difference in the lives of countless Americans and leave a legacy of compassion and fairness.
Erica Zunkel is a clinical professor and director of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School. As part of the clinic’s Oversentencing Project, she and her students pursue post-conviction relief for federal prisoners who have received extreme sentences.
## Biden’s Clemency Promise Unfulfilled: An Expert Interview
**(World Today News, December 14, 2024)**
President Biden’s campaign pledge to liberally utilize his pardon power to address mass incarceration has yet to be fully realized. While he has granted clemency to some, his overall number of pardons lags far behind his predecessors, including President Trump.
With his presidency nearing its end, advocates are urging the President to take bold action, arguing that clemency is a crucial tool for correcting past injustices and granting second chances. this sentiment is echoed in a recent letter to the President signed by over 50 clemency recipients who emphasize the significance of extending mercy and justice even after their own release.
To delve deeper into this issue, World Today News interviewed renowned criminal defence attorney, [**Attorney Name**], who has spent two decades fighting for justice reform.
**WTN:** Mr./Ms. [Attorney Name], President Biden promised a more expansive use of clemency. What are your thoughts on his record so far?
**[Attorney Name]:** While I acknowledge that the President has granted clemency to some deserving individuals, his overall record falls short of the transformative change he promised.The number of pardons pales in comparison to his predecessors, and it’s disheartening to see so many individuals still languishing in prison due to unnecessarily harsh sentences.
**WTN:** We’ve seen cases like Robin Peoples, sentenced to an exorbitant amount of time for non-violent crimes, and Dion Walker, caught in the web of the “war on drugs.” Their stories illustrate the need for broader clemency action.
**[Attorney Name]:** Absolutely. These cases are not isolated incidents.The American justice system is rife with individuals serving excessively long sentences for non-violent offenses. People like Robin and Dion exemplify the devastating consequences of mandatory minimums and outdated sentencing guidelines. These individuals have shown genuine remorse,rehabilitation,and even community support,yet they remain incarcerated unnecessarily.
**WTN:** What message does this send to those who believe in second chances and the potential for rehabilitation?
**[Attorney Name]:** It sends a devastatingly discouraging message. It tells individuals who have paid their dues and are striving to rebuild their lives that the system may not be willing to fully acknowledge their transformation.
Furthermore, President Biden has a unique possibility to dismantle the legacy of mass incarceration, a legacy rooted in systemic racism and outdated policies. By strategically utilizing clemency, he can not only provide relief to deserving individuals but also send a powerful message about restorative justice and the possibility of redemption.
**WTN:** What concrete actions can the President take to fulfill his promise before his term ends?
**[Attorney Name]: ** We need to see a important increase in the number of pardons and commutations, notably for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent drug offenses.He should also prioritize reviewing cases impacted by outdated sentencing laws and guidelines.
Furthermore, he should establish clear, clear criteria for clemency grants, allowing for broader public input and ensuring fairness in the review process.
The President has a limited window of opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on criminal justice reform. By leveraging his clemency power, he can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families impacted by mass incarceration.
**WTN:** Thank you for your insights, [Attorney Name].
It remains to be seen if President Biden will heed the call for greater clemency action. The clock is ticking, and the weight of countless lives hangs in the balance.
