Death penalty statutes
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
All statutes of this State in effect on February 17, 1972, requiring, authorizing, imposing, or relating to the death penalty are in full force and effect, subject to legislative amendment or repeal by statute, initiative, or referendum.
The death penalty provided for under those statutes shall not be deemed to be, or to constitute, the infliction of cruel or unusual punishments within the meaning of Article 1, Section 6 nor shall such punishment for such offenses be deemed to contravene any other provision of this constitution.
History: Sec. 27 added Nov. 7, 1972, by Prop. 17. Initiative measure.
Simplified explanation
Death penalty statutes in effect on February 17, 1972, are in full force, subject to amendment or repeal by statute, initiative, or referendum. The death penalty under them is not cruel or unusual punishment under Article 1, Section 6, nor contrary to any other provision of this constitution.