The debate over the death penalty in the U.S. intensifies as President Biden commutes 37 death sentences, advocating for its abolition, while his successor, Donald Trump, aims to reinstate and expand capital punishment. Despite a federal moratorium on executions, the issue remains contentious, with concerns about wrongful convictions and racial disparities in sentencing. Biden’s recent actions also include reducing sentences for nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoning 39, including his son, amid ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform.
The Ongoing Debate Over the Death Penalty in the USA
While many nations have moved away from capital punishment, the United States remains one of the few developed countries where the death penalty is still in practice. In a recent move, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of numerous individuals from death row to life imprisonment, reflecting his opposition to such severe measures. In stark contrast, his anticipated successor, Donald Trump, has expressed intentions to expand the use of the death penalty.
Biden’s Actions Amidst a Federal Moratorium
Currently, there is a federal moratorium on executions, meaning that while the death penalty is legal, it is not actively enforced. President Biden, who has long advocated against capital punishment, took decisive action to prevent a resurgence of executions under the incoming Trump administration. He stated, “I cannot stand by and watch a new government resume executions that I have suspended,” highlighting his commitment to ending capital punishment.
In total, Biden has commuted the death sentences of 37 individuals, emphasizing his moral stance and the impact of his background as a public defender. “Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, mourn the victims of their despicable acts,” he remarked, acknowledging the pain experienced by the families affected by these crimes. He maintained that the death penalty should be abolished at the federal level, a position he has upheld since implementing a moratorium on federal executions in July 2021.
It is important to note that Biden has excluded three individuals from this commutation, specifically those convicted of terrorism or hate crimes, including the Boston Marathon bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Meanwhile, in Alabama, a convicted murderer is scheduled for execution today, underscoring the ongoing complexity of this issue in the United States.
As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, 2025, he has openly supported the death penalty and is expected to reverse Biden’s moratorium. During his campaign, Trump advocated for executing individuals who commit violent crimes against citizens and law enforcement, and he oversaw a significant number of federal executions during his previous term.
While the death penalty remains a legal option in the federal system, the military, and in 27 states, public support for it has been gradually declining. Concerns about wrongful convictions, particularly with advances in forensic science, have raised questions about the fairness of capital punishment. Furthermore, studies indicate systemic discrimination in sentencing, with minority groups often facing harsher penalties compared to their white counterparts for similar offenses.
In addition to his actions regarding death sentences, Biden recently reduced prison sentences for nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others, a common practice among outgoing presidents. However, the spotlight was particularly on the pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who faced legal troubles related to tax violations and gun laws.