An American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) petition is looking on President Biden “to commute all federal death sentences” earlier than President-elect Trump takes workplace.
“President Biden, as your constituent, I urge you to seize this moment before you leave office to make history as the first U.S. president to commute all federal death sentences,” the petition reads.
“For decades, the federal death penalty has disproportionately affected people of color and those with disabilities — while offering no improvements to public safety,” the petition continues.
In 2020, the ultimate 12 months of the primary Trump administration, the federal authorities executed extra prisoners than all the states that have been conducting the loss of life penalty put collectively, in response to a examine.
The Dying Penalty Data Heart discovered that within the wake of a 17-year pause, the Division of Justice (DOJ) oversaw the execution of 10 prisoners in 2020, versus seven who have been executed by states that have been nonetheless utilizing capital punishment.
In 2021, Biden’s legal professional normal, Merrick Garland, introduced a moratorium on federal loss of life sentences.
“Now, in 2024, with over half of the federal death row comprising people of color, you have the chance to prevent irreversible miscarriages of justice and build a legacy rooted in racial justice and compassion,” the ACLU’s petition to Biden reads.
“You came into office committing to take action on the death penalty because of its fundamental flaws,” the petition continues. “Now is the time to follow through on that promise especially as the nation gets closer and closer to a Trump administration once again.”
Round noon Thursday, the petition, with a objective of getting the signatures of 10,000 individuals, had garnered the signatures of 951 individuals.
The Hill has reached out to the White Home and the Trump transition group for remark.
