President Biden granted a reprieve to several federal prisoners on death row just hours before leaving office. The commutations, announced Wednesday, spare the lives of nine inmates who had been sentenced to death for federal crimes.
A White House spokesperson said that President Biden was focusing on reducing mass incarceration and increasing fairness in the criminal justice system. The actions are seen as a major victory for advocates for criminal justice reform.
Among the prisoners who benefited from the move were five who were convicted of drug-related murders, three who were convicted of murder for hire, and one who was convicted of the brutal murder of his estranged wife.
The actions are part of a broader trend of declining support for the death penalty in the United States. In 2020, Gallup found that support for the death penalty had dipped to 60%, the lowest level since the 1970s.
Legal experts say the move sets an important precedent, as it goes against the tradition of allowing capital punishment for crimes committed under prior administrations.
Advocates say the commutations are a recognition that the system is flawed and that innocent people have been put to death over the years.
The actions do not come with a guarantee that the prisoners will be released. They will need to be transferred to a Bureau of Prisons facility and can still face appeal and trial-related proceedings.
As President Biden handed over the presidency to his successor, he brought with him the legacy of attempting to reform a criminal justice system that many feel is broken and in need of change. The commutations have been met with widespread approval, and are expected to pave the way for similar actions in the future.