California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the commutation of death sentences for 548 inmates to life without parole, as detailed in a letter from November 5. This decision comes as California has not executed anyone since 2006 and follows Newsom's moratorium on executions since 2019. While the death penalty remains legal in the state, his successor plans to continue the moratorium, and the commutations will need court approval.
Key facts
- Gavin Newsom commuted the sentences of 548 death row inmates in California.
- California has not executed anyone since 2006.
- Newsom has maintained a moratorium on executions since 2019.
- The commutations require individual approval from California's courts.
- Only 17 countries executed individuals in 2025, according to Amnesty International.
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