Key Point
President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates, replacing death penalties with life sentences without parole. This decision aligns with his administration’s moratorium on federal executions.
What Happened
President Biden announced his decision on Monday, stating that he could not allow the resumption of executions by a future administration, particularly President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to expand the death penalty. Biden’s move excludes individuals convicted of terrorism or hate-driven mass murders.
Who Is Affected?
37 Commuted Sentences: These individuals now face life imprisonment without parole. Notable cases include:
Thomas Steven Sanders: Convicted of kidnapping and murdering a 12-year-old girl.
Len Davis: A former police officer sentenced for orchestrating a murder.
Richard Allen Jackson: Found guilty of kidnapping, raping, and murdering a 22-year-old woman.
Not Commuted:
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: Boston Marathon bomber.
Robert Bowers: Tree of Life synagogue shooter.
Dylann Roof: Charleston church mass shooter.
Biden’s Rationale
Biden, who campaigned on ending the federal death penalty, emphasized the moral imperative behind his decision, saying, “I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.” He also condemned the crimes committed by those affected, expressing empathy for victims and their families.
Historical Context
Trump’s Record: During his first term, the Trump administration executed 13 individuals, marking the end of a 17-year federal execution hiatus. This accounted for most federal executions since 1988.
Biden’s Term: No federal executions occurred during Biden’s presidency.
Reaction to the Decision
Supporters
Advocates and Progressives:
Pope Francis: Urged Biden to halt executions.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.): Praised the move for addressing racial disparities and promoting justice.
Patrick Gaspard: Called it an act of compassion and justice.
Racial Disparities Highlighted:
40% of death row inmates are Black, according to the Legal Defense Fund.
Critics
Republican Lawmakers:
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.): Condemned the decision as unjust, highlighting the severity of inmates’ crimes.
Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas): Called the move a betrayal of justice.
Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.): Described the commutations as senseless.
Broader Clemency Efforts
Biden’s decision is part of a broader exercise of clemency powers:
Earlier this month, he commuted sentences for nearly 1,500 individuals on home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pardons included 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes and his son Hunter Biden for tax and gun-related charges.
What’s Next?
Biden’s commutations underscore his commitment to ending federal executions, a move likely to remain a contentious issue as President-elect Trump prepares to take office with a contrasting stance on the death penalty.
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