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Eight Get Clemency in Outdated Laws Case
In a move aimed at bringing fairness to the US criminal justice system, President Barack Obama granted clemency to eight individuals serving prison terms under outdated laws.
The eight defendants, who were all non-violent and low-level offenders, were serving prison sentences ranging from 10 to 27 years for various crimes including drug trafficking and fraud.
According to Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, the President’s decision was a testament to his commitment to fairness. ‘The President’s actions today in providing clemency to eight individuals who were sentenced under outdated and unfair laws sustains his commitment to bring fairness to our criminal justice system,’ he said.
Under the Clemency Initiative, launched in April, the Justice Department identified applicants who met specific criteria, including non-violent offenders with no significant history of crime, no ties to gangs or organized crime, and having served at least 10 years in prison with good conduct.
The eight individuals granted clemency were identified as having punishments that did not fit their crimes, with sentencing laws and policies updated to ensure fairness for low-level offenders.
Deputy Attorney General Cole emphasized the importance of fairness in the criminal justice system, saying that for it to be effective, it needs to be perceived as fair as well as fair in practice.
The Justice Department will continue to identify applicants for clemency, as part of its efforts to promote equal justice under the law.
The President’s clemency decision has been hailed as a major step in addressing the issue of outdated laws and promoting fairness in the US criminal justice system.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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