Issues with Death Penalty

In June 2008, the Supreme Court held that it was cruel and unusual punishment to use the death penalty against individuals convicted of raping a minor. In April 2008, the Supreme Court has held that lethal-injection procedures in Kentucky do not violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. The number of Americans supporting the death penalty has begun to decrease, although over 60% still support it. China has become a more visible international power, its excessive use of the death penalty has come under increasing international scrutiny. Capital punishment was widely applied in ancient times throughout the world. The modern movement for the abolition of capital punishment began in the 18th century with the writings of Montesquieu and Voltaire. Today, over half the countries in the world have abolished the death penalty either by law or through practice. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1972 struck down state death penalty laws, a ruling that also brought federal executions to a halt. In 1976, the court reinstated the death penalty after the adoption of new procedures. The number of executions has gradually increased as appeals have become exhausted. In 1999, the number reached 100 but it has dropped since. Among the 50 states, the death penalty is abolished in 13 states and 5 more states have not carried out any recent executions. In most states the method of execution is by lethal injection although in several states the prisoner may choose an alternative method. Nebraska stills mandates electrocution but a court decision has held that the method is unconstitutional. On March 1, 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court abolished the death penalty for minors. Prior to this ruling, minors were subject to the death penalty in a majority of states where the death penalty is practiced.



newsbatch.com