From Indiatimes · Subhadra Srivastava · · 2m
California Governor Commutes 548 Death Sentences
California Governor Gavin Newsom commutes death sentences of 548 inmates to life without parole, sparking backlash from victims' families and support from civil rights groups.
In brief
California Governor Gavin Newsom commutes death sentences of 548 inmates to life without parole, sparking backlash from victims' families and support from civil rights groups. California Governor Gavin Newsom commutes death sentences of 548 death row inmates to life imprisonment without parole, facing criticism from…
California Governor Commutes Death Sentences
California Governor Gavin Newsom commutes death sentences of all 548 inmates on the state's death row to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Decision Follows Realization
Newsom described the move as a realization of 'the limits of what government can justly accomplish'.
“the limits of what government can justly accomplish”
70% of Cases Require Court Approval
The California Supreme Court must approve clemency for 382 inmates, or about 70% of those affected, under state constitutional rules.
529 Men and 19 Women Affected
The commutations cover 529 men and 19 women, according to figures from Newsom's office.
No Executions Since 2006
California has not carried out an execution since 2006, with the largest death row in the Western Hemisphere.
Victims' Families Criticize
Victims' groups and prosecutors called the decision 'offensive', 'outrageous', and a 'sickening abuse of power'.
ACLU Welcomes Commutation
The American Civil Liberties Union welcomed the decision, stating it reflects 'justice demands' for an end to a racist, error-prone punishment system.
ACLU Challenges Death Penalty
The ACLU is challenging the state's death penalty statute, alleging racial discrimination and unconstitutionality.
Newsom's Stance on Capital Punishment
Newsom has long opposed capital punishment, imposing a moratorium on executions in California in 2019.
Newsom's Reasoning
Newsom stated that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values and undermines the legal system.
Political Context
California voters upheld capital punishment in ballot measures in 2012 and 2016, but no executions have occurred since 2006.
Newsom's Future Plans
Newsom is preparing to leave office after eight years and considers a presidential run.
Criticism from Victims
Steve Herr, whose son Sam was murdered in 2010, called Newsom 'an outright coward' and said, 'When somebody commits such a heinous crime, they do not deserve to live'.
“When somebody commits such a heinous crime, they do not deserve to live”
Legal Challenges
The ACLU is challenging the state's death penalty statute, alleging racial discrimination and unconstitutionality.
What to remember
California Governor Gavin Newsom commutes death sentences of 548 death row inmates to life imprisonment without parole, facing criticism from victims' groups and ACLU support.
