Implications of Commutation

The Wall Street Journal has cited sources familiar with the ongoing discussions, indicating that such a move would likely conflict with incoming President-elect Trump’s plans to reinstate and streamline capital punishment practices following his inauguration in January. The contrasting approaches of the two administrations highlight a significant ideological divide over the treatment of capital punishment in the United States.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, who is responsible for overseeing federal prisons, has reportedly recommended that Biden commute the sentences of all but a few of the most severe cases. This indicates a shift towards a more lenient approach to capital punishment, prioritizing rehabilitation rather than retribution.

Notable Exceptions to Potential Commutations

While the prospective commutation could bring relief to many inmates, some cases may remain untouched. High-profile exceptions that may retain their death sentences include:

• Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, responsible for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that claimed three lives and injured over 250.
• Robert Bowers, who was convicted for the 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals.
• Dylann Roof, who infamously murdered nine worshippers at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015.

These exceptions indicate that while there might be a broad shift in policy, the administration acknowledges the gravity of certain crimes which have deeply impacted communities.

Broader Impacts of Biden’s Decision

Those inmates who could see their death sentences commuted are diverse in their crimes, which range from violent assaults to complex kidnapping schemes. Some notable cases include:

• An ex-Marine convicted of killing two young girls and later a naval officer.
• A Las Vegas man found guilty of kidnapping and murdering a 12-year-old girl.
• A former Chicago podiatrist who shot a patient to prevent her from testifying about Medicare fraud.
• Two individuals involved in a ransom scheme that resulted in the deaths of five immigrants.

The potential commutation of such sentences illustrates the administration’s shift towards a justice system that emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Religious Influences on Policy Decisions

The consideration for commutations reportedly aligns with Biden’s personal beliefs, as he is a lifelong Catholic. Recent communications with religious leaders, including a significant conversation with Pope Francis, may have also influenced this decision. During a recent weekly prayer, the Pope specifically implored for the commutation of condemned inmates in America, which may have resonated with Biden’s own moral compass.

Timeline for Decision-making

Insiders suggest that President Biden’s decision could potentially be announced by Christmas, setting the stage for a historic moment in U.S. criminal justice. However, the scope of these commutations remains the central question in this unfolding narrative.

Biden’s Historical Stance on Capital Punishment

President Biden holds the distinction of being the first U.S. president to openly oppose the death penalty. His campaign commitments included promises to pursue legislation aimed at eliminating federal capital punishment and encouraging states to follow suit. This significant policy stance underscores a growing national discourse on the morality and efficacy of capital punishment.

In January 2021, Biden even contemplated issuing an executive order related to capital punishment; however, that order never materialized. Six months into his presidency, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced a moratorium on federal executions for further study of the practice. This moratorium has effectively resulted in no federal executions since Biden took office, marking a notable shift in the administration’s approach to justice.