The Death Penalty in California

How California law treats death penalty, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: The death penalty remains in California law, but executions are on hold under a governor's moratorium. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Capital Punishment page (citing Executive Order of March 13, 2019, Proposition 66 and Penal Code § 3600)

Death penalty	The death penalty remains in California law, but executions are on hold under a governor's moratorium. On March 13, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order instituting a moratorium in the form of a reprieve for everyone sentenced to death; the order also called for repealing the lethal injection protocol and immediately closing the execution chamber at San Quentin State Prison, and it does not release anyone or change any conviction or sentence. People sentenced to death are held in state prison; under Proposition 66 (2016) they may be housed at any state prison with sufficient security. Source: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Capital Punishment page (citing Executive Order of March 13, 2019, Proposition 66 and Penal Code § 3600)

Death penalty

The death penalty remains in California law, but executions are on hold under a governor's moratorium. On March 13, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order instituting a moratorium in the form of a reprieve for everyone sentenced to death; the order also called for repealing the lethal injection protocol and immediately closing the execution chamber at San Quentin State Prison, and it does not release anyone or change any conviction or sentence. People sentenced to death are held in state prison; under Proposition 66 (2016) they may be housed at any state prison with sufficient security.

Source: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Capital Punishment page (citing Executive Order of March 13, 2019, Proposition 66 and Penal Code § 3600)

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FAQ

Does California have the death penalty?

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.