California, governor Newsom commutes death sentences to life imprisonment for 548 inmates

About 60% of the prisoners in question must wait for approval from the California Supreme Court. “I firmly believe that the killing of people by the state is incompatible with California values, undermines the foundations of our legal system and belittles each of us,” the governor said when announcing his decision. In California, although the death penalty is still available, a death sentence has not been carried out since 2006

No to the death penalty for hundreds of prisoners in California. This was announced by the governor of the American state, Gavin Newsom, who made public his intention to commute the sentences of all 548 prisoners currently on death row to life imprisonment without any discounts. “I made this decision because I firmly believe that the killing of people by the state is incompatible with the values ​​of California, undermines the foundations of our legal system and diminishes each of us,” said Newsom who will reach the end of his two terms at the end of December and will no longer be eligible for re-election.

No death sentences since 2006 in California

The Democratic governor's decision, however, alone is not enough. For approximately 60% of cases, depending on the seriousness of the crime and other conditions determined by local laws, the approval of the California Supreme Court will be necessary before the commutation of the sentence becomes final. Although the death penalty remains foreseen by state legislation, a death sentence has not been carried out in California since 2006 and already in 2019 Gavin Newsom had imposed a moratorium, i.e. a temporary suspension of the practice.

Newsom: "I take responsibility for the decision"

The Californian governor, announcing his decision, said he was aware that this choice might not find the agreement of all the families of the victims of the crimes of the 548 prisoners in question and could reopen deep wounds in them. However, while admitting that it is one of the most difficult decisions of his mandate, Newsom has vindicated his choice with conviction. "As governor - underlined the dem who is considering a possible candidacy for the White House in 2028 - I am the only one to bear the responsibility for this decision and its consequences, just as I would be the only one to bear the responsibility for every execution".