# California Governor Commutes 548 Death Sentences

> California Governor Gavin Newsom commutes all 548 death sentences to life without parole as he prepares to leave office.
- Title: California Governor Commutes 548 Death Sentences · France24
- Summary: California Governor Gavin Newsom commutes all 548 death sentences to life without parole as he prepares to leave office.
- Keywords: california, governor gavin newsom, death sentences, commute, life without parole, capital punishment, state constitution, France24
- Source: France24 — https://france24.com/en/americas/20261105-inhumane-punishment-california-governor-gavin-newsom-to-commute-548-death-sentences
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: california, governor gavin newsom, death sentences, commute, life without parole, capital punishment, state constitution, news, world, politics
## Decision to Commute
California Governor Gavin Newsom will commute all 548 death sentences to life in prison without parole.
## Preparation for Departure
Newsom's decision comes as he prepares to leave office after eight years of service.
## Death Row Context
The state has 548 people on death row, following a 2019 moratorium on executions.
## Governor's Reasoning
Newsom stated that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values and undermines the legal system.
## Legal Requirement
The California Supreme Court must approve clemency for those convicted of multiple felonies.
## Public Reaction
The American Civil Liberties Union praised the move as ending a racist and inhumane death penalty system.
## Key takeaway

California Governor Gavin Newsom commutes 548 death sentences to life without parole, ending state capital punishment.