The death penalty or capital punishment is the punishment by death for a crime. Currently 58 countries worldwide allow the death penalty (including the U.S.) while 97 countries have outlawed it. Since the 1970s executions in the U.S. have declined every year. In 2021 five states and the federal government carried out 11 executions. The decline is part of a decadeslong trend as the costs associated with seeking the death penalty, the lengthy appeals process often associated with capital punishment, concerns about executing the innocent and a long-term decline in crime rates have caused many prosecutors and legislators in the U.S. to pull back from capital punishment.
70% Yes |
30% No |
57% Yes |
26% No |
13% Yes, but only for horrific crimes with undeniable evidence |
2% No, too many people are innocently convicted |
1% Yes, but the victim’s family should decide the punishment |
2% No, spending life in prison is a harsher sentence |
See how support for each position on “Death Penalty” has changed over time for 8.7m America voters.
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See how importance of “Death Penalty” has changed over time for 8.7m America voters.
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Unique answers from America users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@cryingleftist4yrs4Y
The offender should have a choice between life in prison and the death penalty.
@8CGS9HS4yrs4Y
No. The government does not have the authority to kill a citizen for any reason.
@4WVPX4L4yrs4Y
No. Some people deserve to die. In fact, let's expand it to include child molesters, corrupt politicians, and the jerk who steals my parking space.
@4Z3Q5XR4yrs4Y
Yes and all death row prisoners should give up all rights and we should use body parts of all death row convicts as needed to save the lives of law abiding citizens
@4Z7HS5V4yrs4Y
No, anyone can be rehabilitated.
@4XB359S4yrs4Y
I support cruel and unusual punishment rather than the death penalty or life in prison.
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