Introduction to the New Policy
Los Angeles’s top prosecutor will once again seek the death penalty for people convicted of capital murders, the LA County District Attorney’s office announced Tuesday.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman “effectively immediately” ended his predecessor’s policy, allowing prosecutors to seek the capital punishment in special circumstance murder cases.
Background on the Death Penalty in California
The California Penal Code Section 190.2 allows the penalty for certain murder cases, including killing a police officer or a hate crime, to be the death penalty although the state has a moratorium on executions.
Considerations for Seeking the Death Penalty
Prosecutors will still consider requesting the capital punishment “only after an extensive and comprehensive review” and only in “exceedingly rare cases.”
“I remain unwaveringly committed to the comprehensive and thorough evaluation of every special circumstance murder case prosecuted in Los Angeles County, in consultation with the murder victim’s survivors and with full input on the mitigating and aggravating factors of each case, to ensure that the punishment sought by the office is just, fair, fitting and appropriate,” Hochman said in a statement
Reversal of Previous Policies
This is one of many former DA George Gascon’s policies that Hochman had promised to undo as he ran on the platform to end the “extreme and categorical” policies.
Under the new policy, there will be conversations with defense attorneys in front of the Special Circumstances Committee when the capital punishment is under consideration. Murder victim’s survivors will have a chance to give their feedback before any final determinations are made, the office said.
Conclusion
The decision to seek the death penalty again in Los Angeles marks a significant shift in the district attorney’s approach to capital punishment. With the emphasis on thorough evaluation and consultation with victims’ survivors, the office aims to ensure that justice is served in a fair and appropriate manner.
FAQs
- Q: Why is the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office seeking the death penalty again?
A: The office is seeking the death penalty again due to the reversal of the previous policy by District Attorney Nathan Hochman, allowing for its consideration in special circumstance murder cases. - Q: What kinds of cases may be eligible for the death penalty?
A: Cases that involve the killing of a police officer or a hate crime, among others specified by the California Penal Code Section 190.2, may be eligible for the death penalty. - Q: How will the decision to seek the death penalty be made?
A: The decision will be made after an extensive and comprehensive review, considering input from the murder victim’s survivors and evaluating the mitigating and aggravating factors of each case. - Q: Is the death penalty immediately enforceable in California?
A: No, California has a moratorium on executions, although the death penalty can still be sought in certain cases.
