In 2013 the use of the death penalty continued its steady decline by almost every measure, according to a report released in December by the Death Penalty Information Center. Executions in the United States dropped by about 10 percent from 2012, to 39 from 43, marking only the second time in the past 19 years the number was below 40. Executions in 2013 were carried out in nine states, the center reports, with 59 percent occurring in Texas (16) and Florida (7). Most death penalty states had no executions in 2013 or 2012. The D.P.I.C. reports that the number of new death sentences was also near its lowest level since the death penalty was reinstated in the 1970s. Maryland became the latest state to repeal the death penalty (for future offenses), as the number of states that used capital punishment decreased to 32. Public support for the death penalty, measured in an annual Gallup poll, declined to 60 percent, its lowest level in 40 years.
Decline in Death Penalty
Show Comments ()
1
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Mike Evans
11 years 3 months ago
We are terribly remiss in presenting the case for abolition of the death penalty. It is simply unfair, immoral and barbarous. The bishops pay lip service to abolition but do not confront with any sense of urgency the horrid conditions that lead to such desperate acts as murder. Are we unwilling to hear the testimony of converted souls, of God's grace at work, of redemption? Are we unwilling to reopen cases where it is obvious that a mistrial occurred just because of a technicality? Are we willing to execute a poor person of color while allowing plea bargaining for the rich and well-represented? And while we are dealing with incarcerated men and women, how is the church responding to the rapidly growing need for chaplains and advocates for these prisoners?
The latest from america
A Reflection for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent, by Ashley McKinless
A Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Father Terrance Klein
During his long and fruitful pontificate, St. John Paul II embraced the entire world, which stands yet again in need of his blessing, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.
Father Marko Rupnik, a well-known priest and artist, has been accused of sexually, spiritually and psychologically abusing more than 20 women.