Outgoing Oregon governor commutes death row sentences, orders dismantlement of execution chamber

Outgoing Oregon Democrat Gov. Kate Brown is commuting the sentences of death-row inmates and dismantling the state's execution chamber, arguing such criminal punishment is "immoral" and has been administered unfairly in her state.

"I’ve been very clear to Oregonians, I'm opposed to the death penalty because it's both dysfunctional and immoral," Brown said Wednesday, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

She plans to immediately commute the sentences of 17 people – from death to life in prison.

"The death penalty has never been administered fairly or equitably in Oregon," said Brown, who could not seek reelection this year because of term limits. "And in fact, it’s been quite arbitrary. And that is not how a criminal justice system should work."

Brown has used her clemency powers more than any other previous Oregon governors, the new outlet reported.

The governor said her decision to change the death penalty is also based on her belief it does not make the community safer.

Brown will be replaced by Democrat Tina Kotek, who won the midterm election.

According to the Oregon Department of Corrections, the last inmate was executed by the state in 1997.