The Guardian · California · Original story
We’ve just seen a transformative moment in America’s death penalty history | Austin Sarat
Gavin Newsom’s decision to empty California’s death row saves hundreds of lives and signals a national shift
Gavin Newsom’s decision to empty his state’s death row is a truly remarkable moment in the US’s death penalty history.
Not only will it free hundreds of people from the threat of execution, but coming from a politician seemingly looking to run for the presidency, it sends an important signal that America’s attachment to capital punishment is weakening, and opposing the death penalty is no longer a third rail in US politics.
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Austin Sarat · Fri, Nov 6, 2026, 2:00 AM
California | The Guardian
Gavin Newsom’s decision to empty California’s death row saves hundreds of lives and signals a national shift
Gavin Newsom’s decision to empty his state’s death row is a truly remarkable moment in the US’s death penalty history.
Not only will it free hundreds of people from the threat of execution, but coming from a politician seemingly looking to run for the presidency, it sends an important signal that America’s attachment to capital punishment is weakening, and opposing the death penalty is no longer a third rail in US politics.
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