Know the Facts About Capital Punishment

Capital punishment does not work. There is a wealth of mounting evidence that proves this fact.

The death penalty, both in the U.S. and around the world, is discriminatory and is used disproportionately against the poor, minorities and members of racial, ethnic and religious communities. Since humans are fallible, the risk of executing the innocent can never be eliminated.

Furthermore, the astronomical costs associated with putting a person on death row – including criminal investigations, lengthy trials and appeals – are leading many states to re-evaluate and re-consider having this flawed and unjust system on the books.

Learn more about death penalty statistics and key arguments:

You can also find information about executions by state or method, or view the current schedule of executions in the U.S.

U.S. Death Penalty Facts Updates
Blog
California voters did not end their state's death penalty, but the close vote was further evidence of growing opposition to executions.
Press Release
Maryland joined the overwhelming global trend towards ending the death penalty today when Governor Martin O’Malley signed the abolition of capital punishment into law.