California Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on the state's death row on Thursday, replacing them with life in prison without parole. He said state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values. Some cases will need California Supreme Court review.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Thursday that he will change all death sentences in the state to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on the state's death row, replacing them with life in prison. Newsom said he is using his constitutional clemency authority to commute the sentences to life without the possibility of parole. He called life without parole the most severe punishment he can impose through clemency.
Newsom's stated reasons
Newsom said in a letter that he firmly believes state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values, undermines the foundations of the legal system, and diminishes everyone. He said the decision was among the most difficult choices of his career because it will surface painful memories for crime victims' families.
Court review for some cases
Some cases will require review by the California Supreme Court. The state constitution requires court approval before a governor can grant clemency to someone convicted of more than one felony.
Background on the death penalty in California
Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions shortly after taking office in 2019. California last carried out an execution in 2006, and it has the largest death row population in the nation. Only 13 inmates have been executed since voters reinstated the death penalty in 1978.
