Newsom’s Death Row Commutations Face Court Review and Prosecutor OppositionNewsom’s Commutations Challenge a Death Penalty System He Calls UnfairNewsom’s Mass Commutations Override Juries and Leave Victims Facing Uncertainty
California Gov. Gavin Newsom moved on November 5 to commute the death sentences of 548 prisoners to life without parole, drawing objections from prosecutors and a planned legal challenge.On November 5, California Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted 548 death sentences to life without parole, prompting prosecutors to challenge his use of clemency and a court review requirement.California Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted 548 death sentences on November 5, drawing prosecutors’ objections, a planned lawsuit and warnings that some prisoners could eventually seek release.