President Joe Biden recently commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates, changing their punishment to life in prison without parole.
This move aligns with his promise to stop federal executions, except for cases of terrorism and hate-motivated mass killings.
Biden’s decision comes just weeks before Donald Trump, a supporter of capital punishment, is set to take office.
Why Did Biden Commute These Sentences?
Biden’s action reflects his belief that the death penalty is unfair and flawed. He pointed to racial bias and judicial errors often seen in such cases.
As a practicing Catholic and someone with a long history in criminal justice, Biden emphasized the importance of fair punishment over irreversible execution.
Who Are the Remaining Death Row Inmates?
Three federal inmates still face execution:
- Dylann Roof – Convicted for the 2015 mass shooting of nine Black church members in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev – Responsible for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
- Robert Bowers – Killed 11 worshippers in the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack.
These cases involve acts of terrorism or hate-motivated crimes, which Biden excluded from his clemency.
How Does This Compare to Trump’s Views?
Donald Trump strongly supports expanding capital punishment. During his presidency, Trump oversaw 13 federal executions, more than any other president in modern history.
He even suggested the death penalty for drug dealers and praised strict punishments in other countries like China. Biden’s decision directly opposes Trump’s stance on this issue.
What Is Biden’s Larger Goal?
In 2021, Biden placed a moratorium on federal executions, pausing them while reviewing execution protocols. He aims to permanently end federal executions through legislation, encouraging states to follow this example.
Advocacy groups and individuals like Bianca Jagger and Martin Luther King III have praised Biden for his commitment to fairness and justice.
What About the Victims’ Families?
Biden acknowledged the pain of the victims’ families, stating his decision does not minimize the seriousness of the crimes.
Some victims’ families, like retired officer Donnie Oliverio, supported the move, noting that executions wouldn’t bring peace or closure.
FAQs
1. Why did Biden exclude certain inmates from clemency?
Biden kept the death penalty for cases involving terrorism or hate-motivated mass murders, as he considers these exceptionally severe crimes.
2. How many executions took place during Trump’s presidency?
There were 13 federal executions under Trump, marking the highest number in modern history.
3. What is Biden’s long-term plan for the death penalty?
Biden wants to eliminate the federal death penalty altogether and motivate states to adopt similar reforms.
4. What role did advocacy groups play in this decision?
Advocacy groups, including notable figures like Bianca Jagger, urged Biden to take action against the death penalty, highlighting its racial and systemic biases.
5. How has Biden’s faith influenced his decision?
As a Catholic, Biden believes in the sanctity of life and the moral obligation to avoid irreversible punishments like the death penalty.
