The sweeping decision permanently transforms the state's justice system by clearing out the single largest death row facility in the United States. Although California has not conducted an execution in two decades, the state has expended an estimated $6 billion to maintain capital punishment since 1978 while completing only 13 executions. This executive move sharply contrasts with the federal agenda under President Donald Trump, who has actively sought to expand federal capital punishment. It also highlights a persistent national divide, as a majority of Americans continue to support the death penalty despite widespread acknowledgment of the risk of human error.
Key points
Condemned prisoners will now permanently serve life terms without parole, though state Su…: Condemned prisoners will now permanently serve life terms without parole, though state Supreme Court review is required for roughly two-thirds of cases.
The state's decisive departure from capital punishment stands in stark opposition to fede…: The state's decisive departure from capital punishment stands in stark opposition to federal efforts under Donald Trump aimed at expanding executions.
The policy arrives amid conflicted public opinion, with 66 percent of Americans backing c…: The policy arrives amid conflicted public opinion, with 66 percent of Americans backing capital punishment while 73 percent concede innocent people face execution risks.
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Gavin Newsom cites concerns over morality, high costs, human error as he grants largest mass clemency in US history.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he will commute the sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, the largest mass clemency in United States history.
The announcement on Thursday effectively clears out California’s death row, although the state has not executed a prisoner for 20 years. Those on death row will instead serve life sentences without the possibility of parole.
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“I take this action because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values, undermines the foundations of our legal system, and diminishes each of us,” Newsom said in an open letter.
Support for the death penalty in the US has largely declined since…
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