Do jurors hand down the sentence in first degree murder cases in California?

A jury in CA can RECOMMEND life or death (in certain cases) but ultimately, the judge makes the final decision, as I understand the process.

September 3, 2008, 5:46 PM EDT

judges give the sentences, the jury can recomend one, but it’s ultimatly up to the judge. They usually give longer sentences than offered by the DA, it’s just a matter of if you want to plead guilty to the crime.