California Governor Commutes Death Sentences

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 5 Nov

   California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, changing them instead with life in prison.

   10 outlets · BBC

Coverage 11 articles

• 5 Nov California Gov. Newsom says he will commute all death sentences in state to life without paroleCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom announced that upon leaving office after eight years, he will commute all death sentences in the state to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This decision follows his earlier action in 2019 when he imposed a moratorium on executions; however, hundreds of individuals remained on death row during this period.Toronto Star
• 5 Nov California governor commutes death sentences for all 548 people on death rowCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on death row to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In a letter explaining his decision, Newsom cited concerns about the moral implications and fairness of state-sanctioned executions, noting that California's system for administering the death penalty is ineffective and has resulted in wrongful convictions. This…BBC
• 5 Nov Gavin Newsom says he will commute all death sentences in California to lifeGavin Newsom, California's outgoing governor, has declared that he will commute all death sentences in the state to life imprisonment without parole eligibility. There are currently 548 individuals on death row in California. This move follows his 2019 moratorium on executions and is contingent upon approval from the California Supreme Court due to state constitutional requirements for clemency after felony…Global News
• 5 Nov Newsom moves to commute all California death sentencesGov. Gavin Newsom announced he will use his constitutional authority to commute all 548 current death sentences in California to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In an open letter, Newsom cited moral objections to state-sanctioned killing and concerns about the legal system's integrity. He emphasized that this action does not abolish the death penalty or prevent future prosecutions seeking it but…CBS News
• 5 Nov Gavin Newsom spares every murderer on California's death row in one of his final acts as GovernorGavin Newsom, in one of his final acts as California governor, has commuted the sentences of all 548 prisoners on the state's death row to life imprisonment without parole. In an open letter, he explained that this decision stems from his long-standing opposition to capital punishment and his belief that it is incompatible with California’s values. Newsom acknowledged the suffering caused by these inmates but argued…Daily Mail
• 5 Nov Gavin Newsom lets all of California’s 548 death row inmates escape ultimate punishmentCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that he would commute the sentences of all 548 inmates currently on death row in the state, effectively ending their death sentences. In his statement to the public, Newsom acknowledged the anger felt by victims' families but argued that the state cannot morally execute prisoners, instead proposing that offenders be allowed to die in prison while their victims…New York Post
• 5 Nov California Gov. Gavin Newsom commutes all death sentencesCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom commuted all death sentences in the state, affecting the current 548 individuals on death row. In an open letter, he stated that this action aligns with California’s values and opposes state-sanctioned killing. The last execution in California occurred in 2006; now, Newsom's executive order effectively ends capital punishment within the state, making it the largest such move against…NBC News
• 5 Nov California governor to spare lives of all 548 death row prisoners in the stateCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom announced he will commute all 548 death sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole before leaving office. This decision aligns with his stance that state-sanctioned executions are incompatible with California’s values and undermines legal standards. The move comes after Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions in 2019, though it did not reduce the number of…Sydney Morning Herald
• 5 Nov Chabria: Newsom wants to empty death row. Most politicians wouldn't bother — or dareCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to commute the death sentences of all 548 inmates on California's death row to life without parole. Critics argue that this move circumvents the will of the people and disrespects crime victims, but supporters see it as a principled stance against state-sanctioned killing. The article highlights the political risk Newsom is taking with his presidential ambitions at…Los Angeles Times
• 5 Nov Newsom commutes all 548 death sentences in California as he prepares to leave officeGavin Newsom, in his final weeks as California's governor, has commuted all 548 death sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This decision follows a moratorium on executions he enacted in 2019 and underscores his belief that capital punishment is at odds with California’s values and legal principles. Newsom acknowledged the difficult impact this move will have on victims' families but…The Independent

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