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Gavin Newsom spares every murderer on California’s death row in one of his final acts as Governor
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
California Governor Gavin Newsom says he is commuting the death sentences of all 548 people on the state’s death row to life imprisonment without parole. The decision reflects his long-standing opposition to capital punishment and comes as he prepares to leave office after eight years.
Newsom said he considers state executions incompatible with justice and human decency, while recognising the suffering of victims’ families. Whether every commutation can proceed is uncertain: California’s constitution requires the state Supreme Court to approve clemency for people with multiple felony convictions, a group Newsom’s office says includes 382 prisoners. The state has had an execution moratorium since 2019, and voters rejected a death penalty repeal measure in 2016.
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In short
- Newsom announced commutations for all 548 people on California’s death row.
- Their sentences would become life without parole.
- Court approval is required for 382 of the commutations.
How this story developed
- 59 seconds ago California Governor Gavin Newsom says he is commuting the death sentences of all 548 people on the state’s death row to life imprisonment without parole. The decision reflects his long-standing opposition to capital punishment and comes as he prepares to leave office after eight years.
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- Gavin Newsom spares every murderer on California’s death row in one of his final acts as GovernorDaily Mail
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The case for
Commuting the sentences would uphold the view that the state should not take life, especially where punishment is irreversible and errors or unequal application may be impossible to remedy. Life imprisonment without parole still imposes severe punishment, while removing the prospect of executions may reflect greater respect for human dignity and avoid prolonging families’ distress through decades of uncertainty.
The case against
Those who support retaining the death penalty can argue that it is a proportionate punishment for the gravest murders and that voters have repeatedly had the opportunity to reject abolition. Commuting every sentence in one decision may also set aside distinctions among cases and victims’ families’ wishes, while raising questions about a governor’s authority where court approval is required.
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