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Reconsidering the Death Penalty

This special report examines the most recent Supreme Court rulings on the death penalty as well as public opinion on, and the history of, the death penalty.

 

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ANALYSIS January 6, 2012
Majority Continues to Support Death Penalty
A November 2011 survey finds continued majority support for the death penalty in the U.S. Compared with 20 years ago, however, there is more concern today among death penalty opponents about flaws in the justice system and the possibility that innocent people could be put to death.
ANALYSIS September 23, 2011
Public Opinion on the Death Penalty
A 2010 Pew Research Center survey found that most Americans (62%) continue to express support for the death penalty for persons convicted of murder, while 30% oppose it. This is nearly identical to the level of support in 2007 but somewhat lower than earlier in the 2000s and especially the 1990s.
POLL September 17, 2010
Few Say Religion Shapes Immigration, Environment Views
Many Americans continue to say their religious beliefs have been highly influential in shaping their views about social issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage. But far fewer cite religion as a top influence on their opinions about several other social and political issues, including how the government should deal with immigration, the environment and poverty.
ANALYSIS November 4, 2009
Religious Groups' Official Positions on Capital Punishment
Religious Groups' Official Positions on Capital Punishment in the United States.
LEGAL REPORT April 4, 2008
The Supreme Court Considers New Case on Capital Punishment
On April 16, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of a Louisiana statute that allows for the death penalty in cases involving child rape.
ANALYSIS December 19, 2007
Lethal Injection on Trial: An Analysis of the Arguments Before the Supreme Court in Baze v. Rees
On Jan. 7, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in Baze v. Rees, a case that challenges the constitutionality of lethal injection as it currently is administered by the federal government and 36 states.
LEGAL REPORT December 19, 2007
An Impassioned Debate: An Overview of the Death Penalty in America
Few public policy issues have inflamed passions as consistently and as strongly as the debate over capital punishment. Religious communities have been deeply involved on both sides of the issue, drawing on teachings and traditions that define justice and the dignity of human life.
ANALYSIS December 19, 2007
Current Death Row Population and Executions Since 1976
A graphic created with information from the Death Penalty Information Center.
ANALYSIS December 19, 2007
Death Penalty Timeline
A timeline provided by Stateline.org.
LEGAL REPORT July 21, 2006
The Death Penalty Today: Defend It, Mend It or End It?
The Pew Forum, together with the Federalist Society and the Constitution Project, recently held an event examining the application, morality and constitutionality of the death penalty in the United States, focusing on issues such as habeas corpus ...
POLL August 3, 2005
Abortion and Rights of Terror Suspects Top Court Issues
Strong Support for Stem Cell Research August 3, 2005 Download the complete report About the Survey Questionnaire Abortion has dominated the early skirmishing over President Bush's nomination of John Roberts to the Supreme Court. But the public tak...
ANALYSIS July 16, 2004
Religion and the Death Penalty: A Call for Reckoning
This important book is sure to foster informed public discussion about the death penalty by deepening readers' understanding of how religious beliefs and perspectives shape this contentious issue. Featuring a fair, balanced appraisal of its topic, Religion and the Death Penalty brings thoughtful religious reflection to bear on current challenges facing the capital justice system.
EVENT TRANSCRIPT June 3, 2002
Governor George Ryan: An Address on the Death Penalty
George H. Ryan is the Governor of Illinois. He was elected the state's 39th governor on November 3, 1998, continuing a career of public service that included terms as secretary of state (1991-1999) and lieutenant governor (1983-91). Ryan also had ...
EVENT TRANSCRIPT January 25, 2002
A Call for Reckoning: Religion and the Death Penalty
At a time of heightened controversy surrounding the death penalty, most discourse relies upon the political, philosophical, and legal dimensions of the practice, and its racial and social implications. Quite often in this debate, religious traditions and theological perspectives are not fully explored beyond an occasional reference to "an eye for an eye" or calls for mercy and forgiveness. Religious voices, however, provide unique standpoints and important reflective dimensions that illuminate these political and other accounts of capital punishment.
EVENT TRANSCRIPT June 5, 2001
Religious Reflections on the Death Penalty
Discussants: John Carr, Secretary, Department of Social Development and World Peace, US Catholic Conference Nathan Diament, Director of Public Policy, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America Barrett Duke, Vice President of Research, Ethi...