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California Gov. Gavin Newsom commutes all death sentences
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- California Governor Gavin Newsom commuted all death sentences in the state, citing that state-sanctioned killing conflicts with California's values, affecting 548 inmates on death row.
- California has not executed anyone since 2006, despite having the largest death row population in the Western Hemisphere.
- The decision sparked strong reactions, with victims' families and district attorneys condemning the move as disregarding judicial decisions and causing pain to victims' families.
- Death penalty abolitionists and human rights groups praised the action as a historic moment for human rights in California and the U.S.
- Newsom’s commutation requires approval from the California Supreme Court and comes amid speculation about his potential 2028 presidential run, raising questions about the timing of the announcement.
