California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 inmates on death row to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that he has commuted the death sentences of all 548 inmates currently on death row in the state. The inmates' sentences have been changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In a letter released by his office, Newsom stated he is exercising his constitutional clemency authority to take this action. He described the decision as a "righteous action" and said, "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 noted that the state "cannot morally kill them" despite the "indescribable suffering" caused to victims. He added, "We can now let these offenders die in obscurity while we forever remember and honor their victims."
According to the BBC, most of Newsom's action will require court approval. For the commutations of nearly 400 prisoners convicted of multiple felonies, at least four of seven judges on the California Supreme Court must sign off.
California has historically held the largest population of death row inmates. The state has not executed an inmate since 2006, and only 13 inmates have been executed since voters reinstated the death penalty in 1978. Newsom previously ordered a halt to the death penalty in the state in 2019.
Some experts suggest the decision could save millions of dollars in court costs each year. While the decision is largely symbolic given the lack of recent executions, Newsom acknowledged the action will "anger and hurt some Californians."
Among those with commuted sentences are:
The death penalty is legal in 27 states, while it has been abolished in 23 states and Washington DC, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
On the federal level, President Donald Trump has described capital punishment as "an essential tool for deterring and punishing those who would commit the most heinous crimes and acts of lethal violence against American citizens." While a moratorium existed under President Biden, President Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term in 2025 that re-instated the federal death penalty, though no federal executions have been carried out since.
Anthony D Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said, "These commutations reflect what justice demands: an end to a racist, error-prone, and inhumane punishment that has burdened California for far too long."
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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