California governor commutes sentences for state's 548 death row inmates
California has historically had the largest population of people on death row in the US.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, changing them instead to life in prison.
"We can now let these offenders die in obscurity while we forever remember and honour the victims," he said in a letter.
The decision to spare death row inmates is largely symbolic in a state that has not executed an inmate since 2006, though experts say it could save millions of dollars in court costs each year. Only 13 inmates have been executed since voters reinstated the death penalty in 1978.
"For this reason, I am compelled to follow my conscience and, as authorised by our Constitution, take this action for the welfare of the State of California."