The Death Penalty

Should the death penalty be imposed on all those who commit a capital crime proportionate to the penalty?

Capital Punishment has been around since the early Chinese civilizations and has even been seen in the bible. It is an extremely contrevercial
topic and has made it to the supreme court many times. Even today it is still a struggle to find a justifiable solution to this age old problem

Race of Executed

Race of Victim

History of the Death Penalty

• 1st known execution in the U.S. occured in Virginia 1922
• In the 1800s Capital Punishment was required by law
• It was the automatic punishment for murder and other serious crimes
• 1930-1960: number of executions reached an all time high of 200 per year
• 1960-present: moral & political views interfered with the Courts' decisions

General Facts

• # of states with the death penalty in place: 35
• # of executions since 1976: 1,348
• % of countries that haven't executed a person in 45 years: 85
• # of innocent people released from death row: 130
• % of people who support the death penalty: 65

Should it be legal for criminals of all ages to be subject to the death penalty if the crimes are substancial?

Opposing views

• It's unconstitutional
• It defies the 8th amendment
• It's very emotional
• It's a crime within itself

I believe the death penalty should remain legal and thus be required when the circumstances are just.