President Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist imprisoned for nearly 50 years following a trial marred by misconduct and suppressed evidence. Peltier, now 80 and in poor health, will serve the remainder of his sentence under home confinement. His conviction stemmed from a 1975 shootout where two FBI agents were killed, despite a lack of evidence directly linking Peltier to the crime. This act of clemency follows years of advocacy from tribal leaders, lawmakers, and human rights figures, addressing long-standing concerns about the injustice of Peltier’s case.
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President Biden commuted Leonard Peltier’s sentence, releasing him from prison after decades of advocacy from Indigenous activists and human rights groups who claimed his conviction was unjust. This decision, which was opposed by law enforcement who cited the 1975 murders of two FBI agents, grants Peltier clemency but not a pardon. The commutation considers Peltier’s age, health issues, and lengthy imprisonment, culminating in a historic moment for Indigenous communities. His release follows years of lobbying efforts and support from various prominent figures and organizations.
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President Biden’s recent pardon of nearly 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders is a significant action, prompting a wide range of reactions. The pardons specifically target individuals who received lengthy sentences based on outdated distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as those penalized under obsolete sentencing enhancements for drug-related crimes. This move is seen by many as a step towards addressing historical injustices within the criminal justice system.
The timing of these pardons has sparked debate. Some argue the action should have been taken much sooner, potentially on day one of his presidency, instead of waiting until later in his term.… Continue reading
Police “courtesy cards,” also known as gold cards or family cards, have been a long-standing issue in New Jersey, revealing a deeply ingrained two-tiered, if not multi-tiered, system of justice during traffic stops. These credit-card-sized documents, distributed by law enforcement officers and their unions, offer leniency to a select few, creating a stark disparity in how the law is applied. The existence of these cards raises serious questions about the fairness and impartiality of law enforcement. It suggests a system where connections and privilege outweigh the principle of equal application of the law.
The fact that these cards exist and are effective is hardly surprising to many.… Continue reading
Charles Littlejohn, an IRS contractor, was sentenced to five years in prison for releasing the tax information of wealthy individuals, a sentence far exceeding sentencing guidelines and harsher than those given for comparable crimes. This disproportionate punishment, influenced by Republican lobbying, highlights the undue influence of the wealthy on the justice system. Littlejohn’s actions, which exposed significant tax avoidance by billionaires, were intended to serve the public interest. A presidential commutation is urged to rectify this injustice and protect Littlejohn from potential retribution from President-elect Trump.
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Millions of Americans face lifelong consequences due to felony convictions, impacting employment and other opportunities despite having served their sentences. This stigma, rooted in societal fears of violence and dishonesty, disproportionately affects those with non-violent offenses. However, the recent election of Donald Trump, despite his own felony convictions, highlights a perceived double standard, particularly concerning white-collar crimes. While some felons express hope that this might ease the stigma they face, others feel it underscores a system that unfairly punishes those lacking power and wealth. Ultimately, the experiences of the six convicted felons interviewed illustrate the persistent challenges and frustrations of reintegrating into society after incarceration.
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President Biden issued a historic act of clemency, commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals previously on home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pardoning 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes. This represents the largest single-day use of clemency in modern presidential history, exceeding even President Obama’s previous record. The commutations focused on those who had completed at least a year of home confinement, reflecting efforts to mitigate COVID-19 spread in prisons. Further clemency actions are expected before Biden leaves office.
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President Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,800 individuals, representing the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. This included approximately 1,500 commutations for those who completed home confinement sentences initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic and 39 pardons for nonviolent offenses. The actions followed a pardon for Biden’s son, Hunter, and are expected to be followed by further clemency grants before the end of his term. These actions reflect Biden’s stated commitment to providing second chances and addressing sentencing disparities.
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After 43 years of wrongful imprisonment for a 1980 murder, Sandra Hemme has been unconditionally released. Judge Ryan Horsman’s June 2024 innocence ruling, based on withheld evidence and inadequate legal representation, was upheld against appeals by the Missouri Attorney General. The prosecution’s failure to refile charges finalized Hemme’s freedom, marking the end of a legal battle that highlighted prosecutorial misconduct. This release concludes Hemme’s unprecedented time in prison as a wrongly convicted woman in U.S. history.
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President Biden’s annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon highlights the underutilization of his broader clemency powers. Over 65 members of Congress urged Biden to employ these powers to address systemic injustices within the criminal justice system, specifically citing mass incarceration and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. This call for action emphasizes the potential for pardons to correct inequities and reduce the substantial financial burden of mass incarceration. Advocates argue for a more expansive use of clemency, referencing the historical precedent of presidents granting pardons to thousands, and highlighting the urgent need for action on death row cases.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood