Support for the death penalty falls below 50 percent

Forty-nine percent of U.S. adults are in favor of the death penalty for convicted murderers, and 45% are opposed, according to Gallup. While statistically similar to last year’s 52%, the latest update marks the first time support has been below the majority level since 1971, when it was also at 49%. The last time support was lower than now was in 1966, when a record-low 42% favored the death penalty. The high point for support was 80% in 1994.

Laura Porter, Executive Director, U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty said, “This is the second poll in a row to show that we are at a pivotal turning point in public opinion on the death penalty, as Americans have been horrified by the recent botched executions, as well as the proposal to livestream an execution. At the same time, both Republican and Democratic governors have been granting clemencies at an increasing pace. The death penalty is being seen for what it is, an utter failure.”

To read more CLICK HERE