Biden's Bold Move: Commuting Federal Death Sentences

President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 federal inmates on death row, converting them to life imprisonment without parole. This move precedes his handover to President-elect Donald Trump and is part of Biden's long-standing opposition to the death penalty. The decision, irreversible by his successor, excludes cases involving terrorism or hate-motivated mass murder.

In a landmark decision, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 federal inmates on death row, converting their penalties to life imprisonment without parole. This move comes as Biden prepares to hand over power to President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, firmly showcasing his opposition to the death penalty.

Biden's clemency decisions are irreversible by successors, even though future cases may pursue the death penalty more aggressively. Trump had previously reinstated federal executions after a nearly 20-year halt. Biden resumed executing federal policy by putting executions on hold right when he took office in January 2021.

This decision excludes cases involving terrorism or hate-motivated mass murders. It has garnered both praise from human-rights organizations and criticism from Republican lawmakers, illustrating the ongoing debate over capital punishment.

(With inputs from agencies.)