President Joe Biden's final weeks in office have been marked by significant decisions that will shape the legacy of his administration's criminal justice reforms.

According to The US Sun, Biden has commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates, leaving only three individuals remaining on federal death row, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from President-elect Donald Trump's team.

The controversial decision affects some of the nation's most notorious criminals, including those convicted of heinous crimes against children and law enforcement.

This sweeping action aligns with Biden's longstanding opposition to capital punishment and represents one of his most significant moves in criminal justice reform before leaving office.

Trump Team Denounces Biden's Decision With Strong Response

Steven Cheung, speaking as Trump's spokesperson, condemned Biden's commutations in unmistakable terms. The response from Trump's camp emphasized their commitment to a tough-on-crime approach that stands in stark contrast to Biden's reform-minded policies.

These are among the worst killers in the world and this abhorrent decision by Joe Biden is a slap in the face to the victims, their families, and their loved ones. President Trump stands for the rule of the law, which will return when is back in the White House after he was elected with a massive mandate from the American people.

The stark difference in criminal justice philosophies between the incoming and outgoing administrations highlights the profound impact of presidential transitions on federal policy implementation. Trump's team has positioned itself as a champion of law enforcement and victim advocacy, promising to reverse Biden's reforms upon returning to power.

Notable Cases Highlight Complexity Of Death Row Commutations

Among the commuted sentences are several high-profile cases that underscore the gravity of Biden's decision. Thomas Sanders, convicted of brutally killing 12-year-old Lexis Roberts, and Jorge Avila-Torrez, found guilty of murdering two young girls, represent some of the most serious offenders affected by the commutations.

Anthony Battle's case adds another layer of complexity to the decision. Battle, who killed a prison guard while serving time for the rape and murder of his Marine wife, will now serve life in prison without the possibility of parole instead of facing execution.

The White House's statement explained Biden's position on capital punishment, noting his belief that the death penalty should be reserved for cases of terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. This policy leaves only three inmates on federal death row: Robert Bowers, Dylann Roof, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

Presidential Clemency Powers Mark Historical Milestone

Biden's recent actions extend beyond death row commutations, encompassing a broader exercise of presidential clemency powers. His administration has broken historical records by commuting 1,500 sentences and issuing 39 pardons in recent weeks.

These numbers significantly surpass those of his predecessors, with Trump issuing 144 pardons throughout his presidency and Obama granting 212 over two terms. The stark contrast in numbers reflects fundamentally different approaches to criminal justice reform.

The timing of these commutations follows a traditional pattern of presidents exercising their clemency powers in their final weeks in office. However, the scale and scope of Biden's actions set them apart from historical precedents.

Controversial Hunter Biden Pardon Adds To Final Acts

In a move that generated significant controversy, Biden's clemency decisions included pardoning his son Hunter from federal gun charges. The pardon came just before Hunter's scheduled sentencing, where he faced potential prison time.

The gun charges against Hunter included three felony counts related to firearms purchases and possession while using drugs. The maximum penalty could have reached 25 years in prison before the presidential pardon.

Biden defended his decision to pardon Hunter, claiming his son had been treated differently because of his name and suggesting political motivation behind the prosecution. The pardon covers potential crimes between 2014 and 2024.

Final Presidential Actions Shape Biden's Justice Legacy

President Biden's extensive use of clemency powers marks a definitive moment in American criminal justice policy. His decision to commute 37 death row sentences while maintaining capital punishment for specific cases demonstrates his nuanced approach to criminal justice reform.

The stark contrast between Biden's actions and Trump's promised response highlights the ongoing debate about the role of federal executions in the American justice system. These decisions will likely influence discussions about criminal justice reform well into the next administration.