The American Civil Liberties Union is petitioning President Biden to commute all federal death sentences, highlighting a critical juncture before President-elect Trump's inauguration.

The ACLU has launched a significant petition urging President Joe Biden to make a historic decision by commuting all federal death sentences before Donald Trump reassumes the presidency. This initiative emphasizes the administration's potential to effect a transformative shift in federal justice policy, The Hill reported.

The petition underscores the disproportionate impact of the death penalty on minorities and individuals with disabilities, critiquing its ineffectiveness in enhancing public safety. It comes at a time when these social injustices are increasingly scrutinized.

The Petition’s Call To Action

Supporters of the ACLU's campaign argue that Biden's administration holds an unprecedented opportunity. According to the petition, "President Biden, as your constituent, I urge you to seize this moment before you leave office to make history as the first U.S. president to commute all federal death sentences."

The campaign also presents this act as a means to cement a legacy of racial justice and compassion. It addresses the systemic inequalities embedded within the federal death penalty system and the urgent need to rectify these longstanding issues.

"For decades, the federal death penalty has disproportionately affected people of color and those with disabilities — while offering no improvements to public safety," the petition states, highlighting a flawed justice system.

Historical Context of Federal Executions

In 2020, during President Trump's final year in his first term, the federal government executed a record number of inmates. This number surpassed the total of state executions, indicating a robust federal stance on capital punishment under Trump's administration.

That year alone, the federal government carried out the execution of 10 prisoners, whereas states that still practiced the death penalty executed only seven. This stark contrast underscored a major shift in federal policies regarding capital punishment.

The ACLU uses these figures to argue against the reinstatement of such policies, which could be imminent under a second Trump presidency.

Biden’s Administration Response to Capital Punishment

In contrast, 2021 saw a significant shift when Attorney General Merrick Garland, under Biden's directive, announced a moratorium on federal executions. This decision was seen as a step toward reforming federal justice practices and addressing the penalties' ethical concerns.

This moratorium marked a temporary cessation of federal executions but did not commute the sentences of those already on death row, leaving their fates uncertain and dependent on future administrative actions.

The ACLU highlights this point to stress the importance of a definitive action from Biden, especially as his term nears its end and a transition looms which might reverse these reforms.

Demographics of Federal Death Row

Statistics reveal a troubling picture of racial disparity among those sentenced to death at the federal level. As of 2024, more than half of federal death row inmates are people of color, a clear indicator of the racial injustices prevalent in the application of the federal death penalty.

The petition points to these figures as a compelling reason for Biden to act, not only to prevent potential miscarriages of justice but also to realign federal policies with principles of racial equity and justice.

“Now, in 2024, with over half of the federal death row comprising people of color, you have the chance to prevent irreversible miscarriages of justice and build a legacy rooted in racial justice and compassion,” the ACLU states.

Public and Political Reaction

As the ACLU's petition gains traction, it had amassed 951 signatures by midday Thursday, progressing toward a goal of 10,000. This public support exemplifies growing concern over the federal death penalty's future and its societal implications.

The Hill has reached out for comments from both the White House and the Trump transition team, seeking their perspectives on this controversial issue. The responses from these entities will significantly shape the public and political discourse surrounding the petition's demands.

As the deadline for Biden's potential action narrows, the nation watches closely, aware that the administration's decision could set a precedent for federal criminal justice policies for years to come.