Newsom plans California death sentences commuted to life without parole
Plan covers current death sentences
Newsom announced that all people currently sentenced to death in California will instead serve life in prison without parole. The change would remove the possibility of execution for those sentences.
He said his decision reflects his belief that government killing conflicts with the state’s values and weakens the legal system. Newsom also wrote that the state cannot morally put people to death, even when many residents believe people who commit brutal crimes deserve that punishment.
Voters rejected repeal efforts
California voters turned down a ballot measure to abolish capital punishment in 2012. In 2016, voters again rejected a repeal proposal. That same year, voters narrowly approved a separate measure intended to accelerate death penalty cases. The two outcomes showed that voters rejected repeal while supporting an effort to speed up cases.
Court review may be required
Newsom established a moratorium on executions soon after he took office in 2019. California has not executed anyone since 2006. Some cases may need consideration by the California Supreme Court before clemency is granted. The state constitution requires court approval when a person was convicted of multiple felonies.
Key points
- Newsom plans to replace every current California death sentence with life in prison without parole.
- He said executions are incompatible with the state’s values and legal system.
- California’s last execution was in 2006, and Newsom imposed a moratorium in 2019.
- Some clemency decisions require California Supreme Court approval.