Today Governor Gavin Newsom announced his intention to commute all death sentences in California. This impacts the largest death row in the Western Hemisphere.
EJS President Lisa Holder said: “This is a momentous victory for justice, humanity, and the estimated 550 individuals and families – too many who are Black and Latinx – whose lives are transformed by this decision. The death penalty is an antiquated, violent system of state torture that runs directly counter to California’s foundational values of hope, redemption, and second chances.”
“Following our coalition’s rally and direct engagement with the Governor’s office, we are profoundly grateful to see this campaign result in real, tangible action. Commuting these sentences directly advances the California Reparations Task Force’s recommendations and embodies the Equal Justice Society’s core commitment to harm repair. Today, California demonstrated the moral courage to lead the nation toward doing what is right. We will continue this fight until capital punishment is abolished once and for all.”
Governor Newsom’s announcement today marks the first step for commuting death sentences. Today, the governor provided official notice to victims’ family members and district attorneys.
After ten days, he will commute about one-third of death sentences on his own. The other two-thirds require concurrence from the California Supreme Court. The governor submitted those cases to the Court today. Once the Court has ruled, he can move forward with full commutation.
Please help us show Governor Newsom how much support he has to carry this momentous effort to conclusion. Sign this thank you letter!
All of us at EJS want to especially thank Natasha Minsker and the California Anti-Death Penalty Coalition for their yearslong leadership and advocacy on this critical issue. EJS remains proud to be a part of this vibrant coalition.