California Governor Commutes Death Sentences for All 548 Death Row Inmates
California holds a quarter of all those sentenced to death. Gavin Newsom called the death penalty morally unacceptable.
California Governor Gavin Newsom commuted the sentences of all 548 inmates on the state's death row, calling the death penalty «morally unacceptable», Bloomberg reports.
California holds the largest number of death row inmates in the U.S. — about a quarter of the total. However, the last execution in the state took place two decades ago.
After taking office in 2019, Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions, and has now commuted the sentences for all condemned inmates.
«I am making this decision because I am firmly convinced that state-sanctioned killing is inconsistent with California's values, undermines the foundations of our legal system, and demeans each of us,» Newsom stated.
The death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Newsom acknowledged that his decision contradicts the position of state voters who support the death penalty. Furthermore, this decision may require review by the state Supreme Court.
The commutation of sentences was one of Newsom's final decisions as governor. He will be succeeded by Xavier Becerra in January.
Newsom, a Democrat, stated that he is considering running in the 2028 presidential election, but has not yet made a final decision.
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