Newsom commutes all California death sentences to life without parole
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who may seek the presidency, moved to end capital punishment in the state by commuting its 548 death sentences.
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What happened
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he will commute every death sentence in the state to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The move covers all 548 people on California's death row. Newsom said state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with the state's values.
Why it matters
California has historically had the largest death row population in the US, and the decision removes the threat of execution for hundreds of people. Newsom's action is seen by the Guardian as signaling a national shift.
Timeline
- Nov 5, 2:42 PM ET: Newsom announced he is commuting all death sentences in California.
- Nov 5, 6:49 PM ET: Newsom said in an open letter that he will reduce every death sentence in the state to life without the possibility of parole.
- Nov 6, 9:34 AM ET: Californians reacted to the plan, and public opinion on the decision is divided.
Coverage
- Prosecutors Vow to Keep Pursuing Death Penalty in California (The New York Times)
- Californians react after Gov. Newsom announces plan to commute current death row sentences (CBS News)
- We’ve just seen a transformative moment in America’s death penalty history (The Guardian)
- California Governor commutes all death sentences (NBC News)
- Gov. Newsom says he will commute all death sentences in state to life without parole (ABC News)
- Newsom Commutes the Sentences of California’s 548 Death Row Inmates (The New York Times)
- California governor commutes death sentences for all 548 people on death row (BBC)
- Newsom commutes sentences of all California death row prisoners (CNN)
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom commutes all death sentences (NBC News)
- Newsom commutes California death sentences for 548 people (USA Today)
- Gavin Newsom commutes more than 500 death sentences in California (The Guardian)
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