On December 11, 2024, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal inmates on death row, converting their sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This bold action, taken just weeks before he was set to hand over power to President-elect Donald Trump, marked a decisive moment in Biden's long-standing opposition to the death penalty.

Biden's move prevents Trump from reinstating federal executions, a policy the former president had pursued during his time in office, Newsmax reported.

The decision will impact these inmates' futures, ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison without the threat of execution, following Biden's commitment to halting capital punishment at the federal level.

Biden’s Actions Reflect His Opposition to the Death Penalty

This commutation was the latest in a series of moves by Biden to address the federal use of the death penalty. Biden had previously suspended federal executions when he took office in 2021, in sharp contrast to the policies of the Trump administration. During Trump's presidency, federal executions were restarted after a 17-year hiatus, with 13 executions carried out between 2020 and 2021.

Biden, who ran for office on a platform opposing the death penalty, faced mounting pressure from congressional Democrats, religious figures, and capital punishment opponents. Among those urging him to act were Pope Francis and other influential voices who called on him to commute death sentences before the end of his term.

In response, Biden issued the commutation order for 37 inmates just days before his departure. His earlier actions in December included commuting nearly 1,500 sentences and pardoning 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes, further underscoring his commitment to criminal justice reform.

Reaffirming His Stance on the Death Penalty

In his statement following the commutations, Biden expressed sorrow for the victims and their families, yet firmly reiterated his opposition to the death penalty. "Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss," Biden said.

He continued, "But guided by my conscience and my experience ... I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level." Biden also made clear that he could not allow a new administration to reinstate federal executions that he had previously halted.

Not All Death Row Inmates Were Affected

While the commutation affected the majority of inmates on federal death row, there were notable exceptions. High-profile cases such as those of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, convicted of the Boston Marathon bombing, Dylann Roof, responsible for the Charleston church shooting, and Robert Bowers, convicted of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, were not included in the commutation.

These individuals are still facing ongoing legal challenges and appeals, which must be resolved before an execution date can be set. Biden’s commutation decision applied only to federal death row inmates, leaving the nearly 2,200 individuals on state death rows unaffected, as he does not have jurisdiction over state-level executions.

Biden's Legacy on Clemency and Pardons

The commutation of 37 federal death row sentences adds to a growing list of clemency actions taken by Biden throughout his presidency. In addition to the death sentence commutations, Biden also issued numerous pardons, including one for his son, Hunter Biden, who had pleaded guilty to tax violations and firearms-related charges. These actions reflect Biden’s broader approach to criminal justice reform, which was a central issue during his time in office.

Since taking office in 2021, Biden’s administration has received nearly 12,000 requests for clemency. By the time he leaves office, Biden will have granted 161 clemency petitions, including 26 pardons and 135 commutations.

Will Biden’s Decision Be Rescinded?

Biden’s commutation of federal death row inmates stands as a significant action in the ongoing debate over capital punishment in the U.S. While it ensures that the inmates affected will not face execution, it does not prohibit future presidents from reinstating the death penalty in federal cases.

The decision is permanent for the individuals it affects, meaning Trump, or any future president, will not be able to reverse these specific commutations. However, it is still possible that federal executions could resume if a future administration chooses to pursue that policy.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on the Death Penalty Debate

Biden’s commutation of 37 death row inmates represents a defining moment in his presidency, making a strong statement against federal executions. While his actions only apply to federal cases, they add to the broader debate on the use of capital punishment in the United States. With Biden's departure from office approaching, the future of the death penalty in the U.S. remains uncertain, but his legacy on this issue will endure.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, it is unclear whether his administration will seek to reinstate federal executions. Biden's decision to halt executions ensures that the debate will continue into the next administration, potentially shaping the future of capital punishment in the United States.