California had 737 death row inmates as of March 2019, more than any country in the Western Hemisphere. Graphic by PolitiFact California.Gov. Newsom claimed today California’s death row population is the ‘largest in the WesternHemisphere,’ shortly after he signed the order to suspend capital punishment. PolitiFact California examined that claim.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Find full versions of all PolitiFact California fact checks here.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the executive order placing a moratorium on the death penalty at his Capitol office Wednesday, March 13, 2019, in Sacramento, Calif. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo / via CapRadioGov. Gavin Newsom says his executive order that places a moratorium on executions in California respects the will of the voters, even though voters have rejected statewide ballot measures to abolish capital punishment twice in the last seven years.

Story by Ben Adler.

Thursday, March 14, 2019