The sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates have been commuted by US President Joe Biden, who has only a few weeks left in office. This move may prevent President-elect Donald Trump from expanding federal executions during his next administration.
Republicans instantly denounced Biden’s action, with some claiming the president was supporting criminals over law-abiding citizens.
Prior to Trump’s first term in office, which concluded with a wave of executions that broke a 130-year-old tradition of halting executions during a presidential transition, federal executions were comparatively uncommon.
In order to prepare for potential legal disputes early in the administration, he has promised to begin the practice when he comes to the White House in January.
