Death penalty

Capital punishment is currently authorized in 31 states by the federal government and the United States military. In recent years, New Mexico (2009), Illinois (2011), Connecticut (2012), and Maryland (2013) have legislatively abolished the death penalty, replacing it with a sentence of life imprisonment with no possibility for parole. The Nebraska legislature also abolished capital punishment in 2015, but it was reinstated by a statewide vote in 2016. Additionally, courts in Delaware recently ruled that the state’s capital punishment law is unconstitutional. States across the country will continue to debate its fairness, reliability, and cost of implementation.

Discuss the death penalty in detail. Are you for it or against it and why? Be sure to support your response with evidence.