On Thursday, President Obama reduced the sentences of 102 inmates, bringing the number of inmates to whom he has granted clemency to 774.
President Obama continues to make historical efforts to aid in criminal justice reform. Most of the inmates who have received clemency are victims of the mandatory minimum sentencing. Many are facing harsh sentences for nonviolent drug offenses, a sentence that comes with a harsh reality. A strict sentencing approach was proliferated by former President Bill Clinton through legislation.
President Obama released the names and sentences of those who were commuted along with crimes in which they were charged with and original sentences.
Though critics may think that the President is lenient in his approach, that is far from the truth.
With his time in office coming to a close many inmates are attempting to get their applications in before January. The President has promised to continue review the applicants individually until his time comes to an end.
White House Counsel, Neil Eggleston, is happy about the work that the President has accomplished. Attorney Eggleston refers to these 102 inmates as 102 chances.
“While he will continue to review cases on an individualized basis throughout the remainder of his term, these statistics make clear that the President and his administration have succeeded in efforts to reinvigorate the clemency process,” Eggleston said in a statement.
It seems as though President Obama is working to provide those second chances and the right some of the many wrongs that have disproportionately affected communities of color.
