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.
