Trump Attacks Newsom Over Death Penalty Move: 'Disaster for Justice'
Summary
President Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to commute 548 death sentences to life in prison without parole, calling it a disaster for justice. The commutations have not taken effect and require legal approval; Newsom has asked the California Supreme Court to act before he leaves office in January.Key Facts
- Newsom announced the plan on November 5 for 529 men and 19 women on California’s death row.
- The plan would replace death sentences with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole; it would not release anyone or make anyone eligible for parole.
- The underlying convictions and restitution orders would remain unchanged, and prosecutors could still seek the death penalty in future cases.
- The California Constitution requires a recommendation from at least four state Supreme Court justices before clemency for people with more than one felony conviction; this applies to 382 people covered by the plan.
- Newsom imposed an execution moratorium in 2019, leaving death sentences in place.
- California has not carried out an execution since January 17, 2006.
- The Criminal Justice Legal Foundation and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said they plan to challenge the commutations.
- Trump referred to 563 inmates in his criticism, while Newsom’s plan covers 548 people.
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