Biden's pardons and clemencies
President Biden's approach to pardons and clemency reflects his administration's broader themes of justice reform and equity. While the White House has been slower than past administrations to grant pardons, its focus has shifted to individuals whose cases highlight systemic issues in the justice system. This strategy signals an intent to address racial disparities and mass incarceration while being cautious in the selection of recipients to maintain public trust.
A notable example is the clemency granted to Elizabeth Keatinge, who faced a harsh sentence due to outdated sentencing laws. Her pardon underscored the administration's focus on fairness in cases where justice reforms might not have been retroactively applied. Other clemency recipients have included nonviolent offenders and individuals who contributed positively to their communities after serving their time. These decisions reflect an emphasis on addressing injustices without compromising public safety or political stability.
