clemency

Biden isn't the first president to pardon a relative. Here's how the power works

2:20pm December 02, 2024

Biden is now the third president to pardon a relative, after Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Here's a look at the commonplace — yet often controversial — presidential power.

President Biden speaks to reporters in Milwaukee before boarding Air Force One on Wednesday. The president announced Friday he would expand pardons for simple marijuana possession.

Politics & Government

Biden expands pardons for marijuana possession and grants clemency to 11

1:08pm December 22, 2023

by Deepa Shivaram

President Biden commuted the sentences for 11 individuals serving time for nonviolent drug offenses. He also expanded pardons for the offense of simple marijuana possession and use under federal law.

A sign points toward the women's section of the Huntington Beach jail. The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls is appealing to President Biden to grant clemency to 100 women during his first 100 days in office.

National

#FreeHer Campaign Wants Clemency For 100 Women In Biden's First 100 Days

7:52am March 14, 2021

by Cheryl Corley

A national council of current and formerly incarcerated women wants the president to grant 100 women clemency by April 30. There's a backlog of 14,000 petitions for commutations or pardons.

President Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime political confidant Roger Stone on Friday, just days before he was set to report to prison. Scholars say Trump's clemencies have rewarded friends and allies.

Roger Stone Clemency Latest Example Of Trump Rewarding His Friends, Scholars Say

3:29pm July 12, 2020

by Matthew S. Schwartz

The Founding Fathers intended the presidential pardon power to protect the national interest. Leading clemency experts question Trump's use of his authority.

President Trump signs a posthumous pardon for boxer Jack Johnson on May 24. The White House has privately asked prisoner advocates in recent weeks for the names of more potential clemency candidates.

Politics & Government

Looking To Grant Clemency To More Prisoners, White House Asks Advocates For Names

8:59am June 26, 2018

by Ayesha Rascoe

Prisoner advocates say they have given the White House names of prisoners who may be ideal candidates for clemency. They are now waiting to see how the White House will proceed.