Politics

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Plans to Commute All Death Sentences

NBC News · 4 hours ago · Read the Full Story on NBC News
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Plans to Commute All Death Sentences
AI SUMMARY

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced his intention to commute the death sentences of all 548 inmates on the state's death row, citing human rights concerns and incompatibility with state values.

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to commute all death sentences in the state.
  • The executive action affects 548 people currently under death sentence in California.
  • The move requires approval from the state Supreme Court for 382 of the prisoners who have more than one felony conviction.
  • Newsom requested the state Supreme Court to issue its recommendation by the end of the year before his term ends in January.
  • California has not executed a prisoner since January 17, 2006, and Newsom previously ordered a moratorium on executions in 2019.
  • Victims' families and the California District Attorneys Association strongly condemned the decision as an abuse of power and an insult to victims.
  • Human rights organizations, abolitionists, and faith communities praised the decision as a historic step forward.