US poll shows death penalty lost majority support for first time since 1971
Summary
A Gallup poll found that 49 percent of U.S. adults support the death penalty for people convicted of murder, the first time support has fallen below 50 percent since 1971. Support varies by age and political affiliation, and the article cites concerns about fairness, execution errors, cost, and the risk of executing innocent people.Key Facts
- The poll found 45 percent oppose the death penalty, while 49 percent support it.
- Support is at its lowest level since 1966, according to Gallup.
- Among people aged 50 and older, 54 percent support capital punishment; among those younger than 30, 39 percent do.
- Support stands at 73 percent among Republicans, 50 percent among independents, and 28 percent among Democrats.
- Since 1994, support has fallen 11 percentage points among Republicans, 29 among independents, and 47 among Democrats.
- The article says 27 U.S. states retain the death penalty, 23 have abolished it, and four have paused executions through executive action.
- The article says President Donald Trump oversaw a large increase in federal executions during his first term and has pledged to continue using capital punishment in his second term.
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