The Top 5 Most Surprising Facts About the Death Penalty, According to the Death Penalty Information Center

The death penalty has been a topic of debate for decades, with supporters arguing for its use as a deterrent to serious crime and opponents arguing against it on grounds of morality and effectiveness. However, what many people may not know are some of the surprising facts about the death penalty in the United States. Here are the top 5 most surprising facts about the death penalty, according to the Death Penalty Information Center:

1. The death penalty is becoming increasingly rare

The use of the death penalty has been declining in the United States over the years. In 2019, there were only 22 executions carried out, which is the second-lowest number in modern history. Additionally, death sentences have been decreasing over the years, with only 34 death sentences handed down in 2019. This decline in the use of the death penalty is seen as a reflection of changing attitudes towards capital punishment in the United States.

2. The death penalty is costly

Contrary to popular belief, the death penalty is actually more expensive than life imprisonment without parole. A 2010 study in California found that the death penalty cost taxpayers $184 million per year above and beyond the cost of sentencing someone to life imprisonment without parole. This cost is due to the extensive legal and court processes involved in capital punishment cases, including the mandatory appeals process.

3. The death penalty is racially biased

Studies have shown that race plays a significant role in death penalty cases. In particular, Black defendants are more likely to be sentenced to death than white defendants who are convicted of similar crimes. Additionally, cases in which the victim is white are more likely to result in a death sentence than cases in which the victim is a person of color.

4. The death penalty does not effectively deter crime

One of the main arguments in favor of the death penalty is that it serves as a deterrent to crime. However, studies have shown that this is not the case. In fact, states without the death penalty have lower murder rates than states with the death penalty. Additionally, many people who commit capital crimes do not believe that they will be caught, so the possibility of receiving the death penalty does not factor into their decision-making processes.

5. The death penalty is not reversible

The finality of the death penalty is what sets it apart from other forms of punishment. Once a person is executed, there is no way to undo the punishment if new evidence comes to light that exonerates the individual. In recent years, there have been a number of cases in which DNA evidence has been used to prove that someone who was executed was actually innocent. While these cases are few and far between, they highlight the fact that the death penalty is an irreversible punishment.

Conclusion

The death penalty remains a controversial issue in the United States, and these surprising facts shed new light on some of the key arguments for and against the use of capital punishment. While opinions on the death penalty will likely remain divided, it is important to consider all of the facts before making a decision on this complex issue.