Biden commutes sentences of 37 federal death row inmates in final month of presidency
FOX NewsDec 13, 2024
Biden Commutes 37 of 40 Federal Death Row Sentences
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The Facts
Pres. Joe Biden on Monday commuted the sentences of 37 out of the 40 inmates on federal death row to life imprisonment without parole.
In a statement, Biden said, "Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers." But Biden also said that he couldn't "stand back" and let the next administration resume executions inconsistent with current US policy.
The commutations come weeks before Pres.-elect Donald Trump, who carried out 13 federal executions during his previous term, returns to office.
The Spin
Left narrative
Pres. Biden deserves applause for this action. The death penalty system is fundamentally flawed, plagued by racial bias, unreliable science, and prosecutorial misconduct. The risk of executing innocent people is too high, and the system has repeatedly failed to deliver justice equitably, while many related to victims would rather see the perpetrators serve prison time.
Right narrative
Biden is abusing his power and usurping Congress by issuing these commutations. This move shows disregard for victims and their families, while it protects convicted murderers who committed heinous crimes. The death penalty serves as a necessary deterrent and appropriate punishment for the most serious offenses — including drug trafficking and mass murder.
