California Gov. Gavin Newsom told the state Supreme Court Thursday that he intends to reduce the sentences of all 548 people on the state’s death row to life without the possibility of parole, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The announcement starts a process with different requirements for individual cases. The Associated Press reported that hundreds will require state Supreme Court approval before the governor can grant clemency.
For victims’ families and people serving the sentences, the proposed change concerns punishment. A commutation would leave the conviction in place, and the sentence Newsom proposes would provide no opportunity for parole.
Sources: Associated Press and Los Angeles Times.
