Barack Obama Sentence Is Final, And It's Bad

 In his final act as President on January 19, 2017, Barack Obama commuted the sentences of 330 federal inmates, primarily those convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. This decisive move brought his total number of commutations to 1,715, surpassing the combined total of the previous 13 U.S. presidents. 




Obama's administration had long advocated for criminal justice reform, aiming to address the disparities in sentencing, especially for drug-related crimes. The commuted individuals had typically served at least a decade in prison, displayed good behavior, and were considered nonviolent offenders. For instance, Bernard Smith, who had been incarcerated for 13 years, was granted clemency after his involvement in a drug deal that led to a 22-year sentence. His case highlighted the complexities of sentencing, as he received a longer term than his co-defendant due to prior criminal history. 


The final batch of commutations was the culmination of Obama's efforts to rectify what he perceived as systemic injustices in the criminal justice system. White House counsel Neil Eggleston remarked that Obama was deeply committed to reviewing as many cases as possible to provide relief, recognizing the injustices of many sentences and advocating for second chances. 

AP NEWS


These actions underscored Obama's belief in restorative justice and the potential for rehabilitation. While some critics viewed the commutations as overly lenient, supporters argued that they addressed long-standing inequities and offered individuals a renewed opportunity to contribute positively to society.


In essence, Obama's final day in office was marked by a historic exercise of executive clemency, reflecting his administration's commitment to reforming the U.S. criminal justice system and acknowledging the need for more equitable sentencing practices.

Previous Post Next Post