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How Biden can make pardons a stamp on his legacy 

11 0
13.11.2024

With the shocking presidential election results in the rearview mirror, President Biden must consider how best to cement his legacy during his remaining two months in office.

As a lame-duck president, he is unlikely to ease the two international crises that have hovered over his administration — the seemingly endless Russia-Ukraine War and the unceasing violence in the Mideast. And, he cannot safeguard reproductive choice for women; nor, can he ensure equal voting rights.

But, there is one presidential authority he has left virtually untouched through which the opportunity to make a profound difference still exists: the venerable pardon authority.

To be sure, President Biden has pardoned thousands who had been convicted of simple marijuana possession on federal land or in D.C. Although few had served time, the pardon restored their civil rights. He also pardoned those who had been convicted long ago of violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for conduct that involved consensual, private acts with persons aged 18 or older. 

Through almost four years of his presidency, he has only granted pardons in 25 other cases and commuted the sentences of 132........

© The Hill


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