President Biden developing new pardon process

(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - A familiar source says that President Biden is developing a presidential pardon process with a focus on racial justice and equity.

The source also says instead of waiting to the end of his time in office, the White House is signaling to activists that Biden could start issuing pardons or commutations before the middle of his term.

The source said the White House is already in the process of reviewing clemency applications.

The White House is working with the Justice Department's office of the pardon attorney to vet applicants.

The granting of a pardon to a person who has committed a crime or who has been convicted of a crime is an act of clemency, which forgives the wrongdoer and restores the person's Civil Rights.

At the federal level, the president has the power to grant a pardon.