Attorney General - U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland Bans Federal Execution of Death Sentences. The decision will remain in effect while the US Department of Justice analyzes its approach to capital punishment.

“Today the Minister of Justice... issued a memorandum on the imposition of a moratorium on the death penalty at the federal level pending a review of the ministry's policies and procedures. Executions at the federal level will not be ordered while the reviews are underway, "

“The DOJ must ensure that, in the federal criminal system, everyone is not only given rights under the US Constitution and laws, but also treated fairly and humanely,” Mr. Garland is quoted as saying.. "

The death penalty in the United States is practiced in 28 states. It is legalized by federal law. 17 people were executed in the country in 2020.