On Tuesday, Democrat Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced during her last few days in office that she would be using her authority to commute the sentences of 17 individuals on death row in the state.
In a statement, Brown said, “I have long believed that justice is not advanced by taking a life, and the state should not be in the business of executing people—even if a terrible crime placed them in prison.”
“Since taking office in 2015, I have continued Oregon’s moratorium on executions because the death penalty is both dysfunctional and immoral,” she continued. “Today I am commuting Oregon’s death row so that we will no longer have anyone serving a sentence of death and facing execution in this state. This is a value that many Oregonians share.”
“Unlike previous commutations I’ve granted to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary growth and rehabilitation, this commutation is not based on any rehabilitative efforts by the individuals on death row,” she added. “Instead, it reflects the recognition that the death penalty is immoral. It is an irreversible punishment that does not allow for correction; is wasteful of taxpayer dollars; does not make communities safer, and cannot be and never has been administered fairly and equitably. My action today is consistent with the near abolition of the death penalty that has been achieved through SB 1013.”
“I also recognize the pain and uncertainty victims experience as they wait for decades while individuals sit on death row—especially in states with moratoriums on executions—without resolution. My hope is that this commutation will bring us a significant step closer to finality in these cases,” Brown said.
The death penalty is immoral. Since taking office in 2015, I have continued Oregon’s moratorium on executions. I am taking this final action for the 17 individuals with death sentences before I leave office to ensure that none of them will be put to death by the state.
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) December 14, 2022
Brown’s decision drew backlash as many considered it an overstep of her authority and it also neglected the effect it would have on the victims of those whose sentences were commuted.
Oregon House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson said that the governor’s “decisions do not consider the impact the victims and families will suffer in the months and years to come. Democrats have consistently chosen criminals over victims.”
State Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp said, “Did the people of Oregon vote to end the death penalty? I don’t recall that happening.”
“This is another example of the Governor and the Democrats not abiding by the wishes of Oregonians. Even in the final days of her term, Brown continues to disrespect victims of the most violent crimes,” he added.
