Washington, D.C. — President Joe Biden announced on Monday the commutation of 37 federal death row sentences to life imprisonment without parole, taking a historic step toward limiting the federal death penalty. The move reflects the president’s long-standing commitment to criminal justice reform and ending the use of capital punishment in most federal cases.
The clemency decision, detailed in a White House statement on December 22, 2024, spares individuals convicted of serious crimes from execution while preserving life sentences without parole. However, the commutations exclude cases involving terrorism or hate-motivated mass murders, underscoring Biden’s position that the death penalty should be reserved for exceptional circumstances.
“America must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level, except in the most extreme cases,” President Biden said. “Today’s actions prevent future administrations from carrying out executions that no longer align with our current values and policies.”
Building on a Record of Reform
This latest action adds to President Biden’s broader criminal justice reform efforts. Earlier in his administration, Biden imposed a federal moratorium on executions, halting the practice that had resumed under the Trump administration. The commutations prevent future executions for cases that would not be eligible for death sentences under current policy, ensuring the continuity of Biden’s reforms into subsequent administrations.
The White House also highlighted Biden’s record-breaking use of clemency powers. Earlier this month, the president granted clemency to approximately 1,500 individuals, including those successfully reintegrated into society after home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also issued 39 pardons for nonviolent offenders and became the first president to issue categorical pardons for individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession and former LGBTQI+ service members prosecuted for their sexual orientation.
“This administration is committed to justice that reflects fairness, humanity, and accountability,” the statement read.
Exceptions to the Commutations
Of the 40 individuals currently on federal death row, three were not included in the clemency actions due to the nature of their crimes, which fall under the exceptions for terrorism and hate-driven mass murder. Legal experts suggest that these exclusions align with Biden’s nuanced stance on capital punishment, which seeks to address systemic injustice while reserving the harshest penalties for the most egregious offenses.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The commutations have sparked mixed reactions. Human rights advocates and criminal justice reformers praised the move as a pivotal moment in the fight to abolish the death penalty, while critics argued it undermines justice for victims and their families.
“President Biden’s actions today represent a crucial step toward ending the federal death penalty and addressing the systemic inequities in our justice system,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, a prominent civil rights attorney.
Conversely, opponents, including some Republican lawmakers, have criticized the decision. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) stated, “By commuting these sentences, the president is denying victims’ families the justice they were promised.”
Future of Federal Death Penalty Policy
President Biden’s actions reflect a broader shift in federal death penalty policy. While legislative abolition remains uncertain, his administration’s moratorium and commutations effectively reduce its application. Advocates hope the move will inspire states to reconsider their own death penalty practices.
In the coming weeks, the White House announced, the president will consider additional clemency petitions and other reforms aimed at providing second chances to deserving individuals.
Biden’s decision to commute these sentences cements his legacy as a transformative leader on criminal justice reform, marking a significant departure from decades of federal policy and setting the stage for continued progress.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
