Newsom Commutes All Death Row Sentences in California
Governor's action reduces 548 sentences to life without parole, citing three decades of opposition to capital punishment.
Carla Rooney
Gavin Newsom commuted the sentences of all 548 prisoners on California's death row.
Governor Newsom announced his decision in an open letter to California residents. His action follows nearly three decades of opposing capital punishment.
I take this action because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values, undermines the foundations of our legal system, and diminishes each of us.
Newsom's administration asserts this move prevents future executions under subsequent governors. California remains one of 27 states with the death penalty on its books.
The California Supreme Court must approve clemency for anyone convicted of multiple felonies under the state constitution.