By Basant El-Faramawy
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that he will commute all death sentences in the state to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a move that affects 548 inmates currently on death row.
Scope of Clemency
The commutations cover 529 men and 19 women sentenced to death. Newsom’s office said the state constitution requires the California Supreme Court to approve clemency for anyone convicted of a felony more than once, which applies to 382 of the cases, or roughly 70 percent.
Governor’s Rationale
In a letter, Newsom wrote that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values, undermines the legal system, and diminishes everyone. He called the decision among the most difficult of his career, acknowledging it will revive painful memories for victims’ families, but said he alone bears responsibility for the decision and its impact.
Background
Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions in 2019, but the death penalty remained on the books. California voters rejected a 2016 ballot measure that would have repealed capital punishment.
Reactions
The American Civil Liberties Union praised the announcement. Executive director Anthony Romero said the commutations reflect what justice demands: an end to a racist, error-prone, and inhumane punishment. The ACLU is pursuing a legal challenge arguing that California’s death penalty statute is racially discriminatory and unconstitutional. Newsom has previously stated that capital punishment in practice discriminates against mentally ill people and people of color.
