"It's no longer effective in a sense that it is the kind of program that needs to be re-examined because of the fiscal arrangements facing the state," said Cantil-Sakauye. “And we don't have the money to create the kind of change that is needed." 

 

But the 53-year old chief justice said whether she believes the death penalty should be replaced with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is immaterial.

 

"I simply apply the law. It's not important whether I believe in it or not," said Cantil-Sakauye.

 

Capital punishment in California does not come cheap. According to a report from the Los Angele Times, taxpayers have spent more than $4 billion on capital punishment in California since it was reinstated in 1978, or about $308 million for each of the 13 executions carried out since then.

 

Fil-Ams react to the chief justice’s position

 

Filipino-Americans have mixed emotions about Cantil-Sakauye's opinions about the death penalty.

 

Dee Faraon, a teacher, said that despite the fiscal crisis, the government should continue capital punishment.

 

"It has to be all about justice. That has to be served. That's the most important thing for me," said Faraon.

  

But community leader Rudy Asercion, on the other hand, is against capital punishment. He said the government should focus its resources on keeping neighborhoods and children safe, away from prisons.

 

"Prevention is better. You're preventing the child to be on the other side," Asercion said.