those whose perpetrators deserve the death penalty and the rest

A closer look at those whose perpetrators deserve the death penalty and the rest

What this Guardian comment piece is about

This is an opinion article arguing that California governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to grant universal clemency and empty the state’s death row represents a major moment in US death-penalty history. The author frames the move as freeing hundreds of people from the threat of execution and as a signal that opposition to capital punishment is becoming politically less risky.

What the piece actually describes you can do there

You cannot interact with the article itself beyond reading it; it reports on Newsom’s clemency, quotes his statements about rejecting state-sanctioned killing, and cites reactions from sources such as Politico, the American Bar Association, Newsweek and Stanford Law School commentary. The article lists specific inmates whose lives are affected, including Richard Allen Davis, Joseph Naso and Cary Stayner.

Who might find this article useful or interesting

Readers interested in criminal-justice policy, capital punishment debates, or recent actions by California’s governor will find the piece relevant. It will also appeal to people following how state-level decisions might influence national politics and to those wanting examples and commentary about clemency and abolitionist arguments.

Questions people ask about those whose perpetrators deserve the death penalty and the rest

Does the article name people who were granted clemency?

Yes; the piece names several individuals affected, including Richard Allen Davis, Joseph Naso and Cary Stayner.

Does the article report what Newsom said about his decision?

Yes; it quotes Newsom saying the state cannot morally kill people and that refusing clemency would create two classes of murder victims.

Is this a news report or an opinion?

This is an opinion/commentary piece that interprets Newsom’s action as a transformative and moral stance against the death penalty.

those whose perpetrators deserve the death penalty and the rest was shared on NexURLs by NexURLs on November 6, 2026, in True Crime.