Summary
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he would commute all 548 death sentences in the state to life in prison without parole. The move follows his 2019 pause on executions and requires California Supreme Court approval for people convicted of more than one felony.Key Facts
- Newsom said the commutations would apply to all 548 people on California’s death row.
- Those whose sentences are commuted would serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
- Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions in California in 2019.
- The California Constitution requires state Supreme Court approval for clemency for anyone convicted of a felony more than once.
- California voters rejected a 2016 ballot measure that would have repealed the death penalty.
- Newsom said the decision could bring painful memories for crime victims’ families.
- The American Civil Liberties Union welcomed the announcement.
