President Clinton postponed yesterday the first federal execution in thirty-seven years, so the condemned man can apply for presidential clemency under brand new guidelines. In a two-page order, Clinton issued a temporary reprieve for convicted drug smuggler and murderer, Juan Raul Garza, postponing his scheduled execution from August 5 until December 12.

Under the guidelines, a death row prisoner will receive at least 120 days’ notice of the date of execution. Once notified, the prisoner has thirty days to fill a request for clemency. All papers in support of the request must be filed no later than fifteen days after the petition has been submitted.