Summary of Death Penalty in the United States
The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, remains a contentious issue in the United States. As of 2021, 24 states have abolished the death penalty, while 26 states still retain it. The federal government also has the authority to impose the death penalty for certain federal offenses.
Federal Government and the Death Penalty
The federal government has historically supported the use of the death penalty. The Federal Death Penalty Act (FDPA) was enacted in 1994, expanding the number of federal crimes eligible for capital punishment. However, there was a de facto moratorium on federal executions from 2003 until 2020. In July 2020, the Trump administration resumed federal executions, resulting in the execution of 13 individuals before the end of his presidency.
State Focus: [Your State]
[Provide information about your state’s history regarding the death penalty and its current death penalty state.]
For example:
Pennsylvania and the Death Penalty
Pennsylvania is a state that has a complex history regarding the death penalty. It currently retains capital punishment, but it has not executed anyone since 1999.
Historically, Pennsylvania had one of the highest numbers of death row inmates in the country. However, in 2015, Governor Tom Wolf placed a moratorium on executions, citing concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the state’s capital punishment system. Despite efforts to resume executions, there has been no change in the status of Pennsylvania’s moratorium.
Public Opinion on the Death Penalty
Public opinion on the death penalty in the United States has shifted over the past two decades. According to research, there has been a decline in support for capital punishment since the 1990s.
Several factors contribute to this shift:
Wrongful Convictions: High-profile cases of wrongful convictions and exonerations have raised concerns about the potential for innocent individuals to be sentenced to death. These cases have highlighted flaws in the justice system and eroded public confidence in capital punishment.
Costs and Effectiveness: The cost of death penalty trials and appeals is significantly higher than other criminal cases. As budget constraints become more relevant, some argue that resources could be better allocated to other areas of the criminal justice system that may have a greater impact on public safety.
Alternative Punishments: The availability of alternative punishments, such as life imprisonment without parole, has increased. This has provided an option for those who oppose capital punishment but still believe in severe punishment for heinous crimes.
Changing Moral Attitudes: Evolving societal attitudes towards punishment and human rights have influenced public opinion. Concerns about cruelty and the morality of taking a life as punishment have contributed to a shift in views on capital punishment.
In conclusion, research indicates that public opinion on the death penalty in the United States has shifted over the last 20 years. Factors such as wrongful convictions, cost-effectiveness, availability of alternative punishments, and changing moral attitudes have contributed to this change. It is essential to note that public opinion varies across different demographics and regions within the United States.
