Jacob Sullum on Obama’s Amazingly Stingy Clemency Record

Will Barack Obama go down in history as our
least merciful president? As he began his second term, writes Jacob
Sullum, this reputedly progressive and enlightened man had a strong
shot at winning that dubious distinction. December, a traditional
season for presidential clemency, came and went, and Obama had
granted just one commutation (which shortens a prisoner’s sentence)
and 22 pardons (which clear people’s records, typically after
they’ve completed their sentences). His first-term record looks
weaker than those of all but a few previous presidents. View this article.