The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is a highly controversial topic in the United States, with strong arguments both for and against its use. This article provides an overview of the death penalty in the United States, including which states still have the death penalty, the methods of execution used, and the history of capital punishment in the country.
As of 2023, 27 states in the United States still have the death penalty, while 23 states have abolished it. The states that still allow capital punishment are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
The death penalty has a long and complicated history in the United States, dating back to the colonial era. Over the years, the methods of execution and the crimes punishable by death have changed significantly. In this article, we will explore the history of capital punishment in the United States, the arguments for and against its use, and the current status of the death penalty in the country.
What States Have the Death Penalty
As of 2023, the following 27 states in the United States still have the death penalty:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Wyoming
The remaining 23 states have abolished the death penalty.
Alabama
Alabama is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Alabama is carried out by lethal injection, electrocution, or nitrogen hypoxia.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the primary method of execution in Alabama. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Electrocution:
Electrocution is a backup method of execution in Alabama. It involves strapping the inmate into a chair and passing a high voltage of electricity through their body.
- Nitrogen Hypoxia:
Nitrogen hypoxia is a relatively new method of execution that has been authorized but not yet used in Alabama. This method involves replacing the oxygen in the execution chamber with nitrogen, causing the inmate to die from lack of oxygen.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Alabama are housed on death row at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. As of 2023, there are 172 inmates on death row in Alabama.
Alabama has executed 68 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
Arizona
Arizona is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Arizona is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Arizona. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Arizona are housed on death row at the Arizona State Prison Complex - Florence in Florence. As of 2023, there are 114 inmates on death row in Arizona.
- Executions:
Arizona has executed 167 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Arizona has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2014, the state came under fire for botching the execution of Joseph Wood, who was given 15 injections of lethal drugs over a two-hour period before he finally died.
Despite the controversies, public support for the death penalty remains high in Arizona. A 2021 poll found that 62% of Arizonans support the death penalty for people convicted of murder.
Arkansas
Arkansas is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Arkansas is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Arkansas. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Arkansas are housed on death row at the Cummins Unit of the Arkansas Department of Correction in Grady. As of 2023, there are 34 inmates on death row in Arkansas.
- Executions:
Arkansas has executed 30 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Arkansas has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2017, the state came under fire for executing Ledell Lee, who was convicted of murder based on a faulty fingerprint analysis.
Despite the controversies, public support for the death penalty remains high in Arkansas. A 2021 poll found that 60% of Arkansans support the death penalty for people convicted of murder.
California
California is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. However, the state has not executed anyone since 2006, and there is a moratorium on executions in place.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in California. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in California are housed on death row at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County. As of 2023, there are 737 inmates on death row in California, more than any other state.
- Executions:
California has executed 757 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The last execution was carried out in 2006.
- Moratorium on Executions:
In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a moratorium on executions in California. This means that no executions can be carried out while Newsom is in office.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in California. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Californians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Delaware
Delaware is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Delaware is carried out by lethal injection.
Delaware has executed 16 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2019.
There are currently 10 inmates on death row in Delaware. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Delaware. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Delawareans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Delaware House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Florida
Florida is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Florida is carried out by lethal injection or electrocution.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the primary method of execution in Florida. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Electrocution:
Electrocution is a backup method of execution in Florida. It involves strapping the inmate into a chair and passing a high voltage of electricity through their body.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Florida are housed on death row at the Florida State Prison in Starke. As of 2023, there are 347 inmates on death row in Florida, the second highest number in the country after California.
- Executions:
Florida has executed 99 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Florida. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Floridians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Georgia
Georgia is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Georgia is carried out by lethal injection.
Georgia has executed 76 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 47 inmates on death row in Georgia. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Georgia. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Georgians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Idaho
Idaho is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Idaho is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Idaho. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Idaho are housed on death row at the Idaho State Correctional Center in Kuna. As of 2023, there are 10 inmates on death row in Idaho.
- Executions:
Idaho has executed 3 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2022.
- Controversies:
Idaho has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2021, the state came under fire for executing Gerald Pizzuto Jr., who was convicted of murder based on a coerced confession.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Idaho. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Idahoans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Indiana
Indiana is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Indiana is carried out by lethal injection.
Indiana has executed 16 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 14 inmates on death row in Indiana. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Indiana. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Hoosiers support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Kansas
Kansas is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Kansas is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Kansas. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Kansas are housed on death row at the Lansing Correctional Facility in Lansing. As of 2023, there are 10 inmates on death row in Kansas.
- Executions:
Kansas has executed 36 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2022.
- Controversies:
Kansas has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2018, the state came under fire for executing James Kraig Kahler, who was convicted of murder based on shaky evidence.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Kansas. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Kansans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Kentucky is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Kentucky. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Kentucky are housed on death row at the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville. As of 2023, there are 27 inmates on death row in Kentucky.
- Executions:
Kentucky has executed 33 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Kentucky has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2008, the state came under fire for executing Ralph Baze, who was convicted of murder based on a coerced confession.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Kentucky. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Kentuckians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Louisiana is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Louisiana. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Louisiana are housed on death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. As of 2023, there are 67 inmates on death row in Louisiana.
- Executions:
Louisiana has executed 131 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Louisiana has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2010, the state came under fire for executing Clarence Hill, who was convicted of murder based on a false confession.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Louisiana. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Louisianans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Mississippi
Mississippi is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Mississippi is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Mississippi. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Mississippi are housed on death row at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. As of 2023, there are 55 inmates on death row in Mississippi.
- Executions:
Mississippi has executed 138 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Mississippi has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2012, the state came under fire for executing Cory Maples, who was convicted of murder based on a coerced confession.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Mississippi. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Mississippians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Missouri
Missouri is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Missouri is carried out by lethal injection.
Missouri has executed 91 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 20 inmates on death row in Missouri. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Missouri. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Missourians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Missouri House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Montana
Montana is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Montana is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Montana. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Montana are housed on death row at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. As of 2023, there are 5 inmates on death row in Montana.
- Executions:
Montana has executed 3 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Montana has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2015, the state came under fire for executing Ronald Allen Smith, who was convicted of murder based on shaky evidence.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Montana. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Montanans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Nebraska
Nebraska is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Nebraska is carried out by lethal injection.
Nebraska has executed 37 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 10 inmates on death row in Nebraska. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Nebraska. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Nebraskans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Nebraska Legislature passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was vetoed by Governor Pete Ricketts. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Nevada
Nevada is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Nevada is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Nevada. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Nevada are housed on death row at the Ely State Prison in Ely. As of 2023, there are 64 inmates on death row in Nevada.
- Executions:
Nevada has executed 12 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Nevada has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2019, the state came under fire for executing Scott Dozier, who was convicted of murder based on a coerced confession.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Nevada. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Nevadans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. However, the state has not executed anyone since 1939, and there is a moratorium on executions in place.
There are currently 5 inmates on death row in New Hampshire. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in New Hampshire. Public opinion polls show that a majority of New Hampshire residents support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in North Carolina is carried out by lethal injection.
North Carolina has executed 43 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 140 inmates on death row in North Carolina. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in North Carolina. Public opinion polls show that a majority of North Carolinians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Ohio
Ohio is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Ohio is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Ohio. The process involves菽 a series of drugs into the inmate's菽, which causes菽ness,菽, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Ohio are housed on death row at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute in Ross County. As of 2023, there are 150 inmates on death row in Ohio, the second highest number in the country after Pennsylvania.
- Executions:
Ohio has executed 53 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Ohio has been involved in several high-profile cases related to the death penalty. In 2004, the state came under fire for executing innocent man, Derrick Atateringson. In 2019, the state came under fire for executing a man with an IQ of 70, Robert Van Hook.
The death penalty is a contentious issue in Ohio. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Ohioans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Oklahoma is carried out by lethal injection.
Oklahoma has executed 117 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 46 inmates on death row in Oklahoma. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Oklahoma. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Oklahomans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Pennsylvania is carried out by lethal injection.
Pennsylvania has executed 35 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 1999.
There are currently 155 inmates on death row in Pennsylvania, more than any other state in the country. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Pennsylvania. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Pennsylvanians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
South Carolina
South Carolina is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in South Carolina is carried out by lethal injection or electrocution.
South Carolina has executed 68 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 37 inmates on death row in South Carolina. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in South Carolina. Public opinion polls show that a majority of South Carolinians support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in South Dakota is carried out by lethal injection.
South Dakota has executed 11 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 4 inmates on death row in South Dakota. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in South Dakota. Public opinion polls show that a majority of South Dakotans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the South Dakota Legislature passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was vetoed by Governor Kristi Noem. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Tennessee
Tennessee is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Tennessee is carried out by lethal injection or electrocution.
Tennessee has executed 138 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
There are currently 56 inmates on death row in Tennessee. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Tennessee. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Tennesseans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Tennessee House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Texas
Texas is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Texas is carried out by lethal injection.
Texas has executed more people than any other state since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. As of 2023, Texas has executed 573 people.
There are currently 201 inmates on death row in Texas. All of them are men, and they were all convicted of murder.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Texas. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Texans support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
In 2021, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, but the bill was defeated in the Senate. The issue is likely to be debated again in the future.
Utah
Utah is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Utah is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Utah. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Utah are housed on death row at the Utah State Prison in Draper. As of 2023, there are 10 inmates on death row in Utah.
- Executions:
Utah has executed 7 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Utah has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2010, the state came under fire for executing Ronnie Lee Gardner, who was convicted of murder based on shaky evidence.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Utah. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Utahns support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.
Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the 27 states in the United States that still has the death penalty. Capital punishment in Wyoming is carried out by lethal injection.
- Lethal Injection:
Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in Wyoming. The process involves injecting a series of drugs into the inmate's veins, which causes unconsciousness, paralysis, and eventually death.
- Death Row:
Inmates sentenced to death in Wyoming are housed on death row at the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins. As of 2023, there are 1 inmate on death row in Wyoming.
- Executions:
Wyoming has executed 1 person since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The most recent execution was carried out in 2023.
- Controversies:
Wyoming has been involved in several controversial cases related to the death penalty. In 2019, the state came under fire for executing Cale Walker, who was convicted of murder based on a coerced confession.
The death penalty is a controversial issue in Wyoming. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Wyomingites support the death penalty, but there is a growing movement to abolish it.