Another source of concern associated with Gascón’s appointment is his recent declaration that he plans to seek the death penalty in cases that “warrant” it. Gascon is surely aware of the meager community support for the death penalty in San Francisco, but I am sure there are currently prosecutors in office who were unhappy with Harris’ policy of not seeking the death penalty who will welcome this change.
As to pursuing the death penalty in politically progressive counties: The ACLU data show (jump to Appendix A) that Alameda county, consistently “blue”, has been well above the California average in death sentences between 2000 and 2009. San Francisco may now face the same fate.
No comment yet, add your voice below!