Newly confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi is taking direct action against former President Biden's end-of-term commutations of 37 death row inmates. In a letter issued to Department of Justice employees, Bondi criticized Biden's decision, arguing it undermines the justice system and disregards the victims' families. She outlined a three-pronged approach to address the commutations.
Firstly, Bondi aims to create a public platform for the victims' families to share their perspectives on how the commutations have impacted them. She believes this is a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring accountability.
Secondly, Bondi's directive instructs U.S. Attorneys' offices to explore pursuing death sentences against the commuted individuals under state law, where permissible and after consulting with the victims' families. The Capital Case Section will provide support to the U.S. Attorneys' offices in this endeavor.
Finally, Bondi has instructed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to ensure that the confinement conditions for these 37 inmates align with the security risks they pose, given the severity of their crimes and criminal histories.
Biden's December commutations changed the sentences of these 37 inmates from federal death row to life imprisonment without parole. The White House justified the decision as preventing the incoming Trump administration from carrying out executions under policies they believed were outdated. They also emphasized Biden's commitment to criminal justice reform and providing second chances.
However, Bondi, a former prosecutor and Florida Attorney General, has stated her commitment to eliminating political bias within the DOJ. She maintains that her focus is on ensuring equal justice for all Americans.
