statistics and evidence given by the N.A.A.C.P Legal defence fund) that there is more
criminal activity in Texas than anywhere else, but in general that southern states
have a less tolerant legal system compared to that of the other states in the United
States. Graph B shows a major decrease of inmates being executed from 2000 to
2001 in states such as Texas and Virginia and also on a national basis.
This may connote the idea that laws are now finding new ways of dealing with such
criminals rather than executing them, or that state laws are becoming more merciful,
towards them.
Graph B
(Graph source found on official death penalty website-www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/dpicexec00.htm, 2001)
Other statistical evidence shown in the tables were that of the defendants race, age
and gender along with their victim’s race and gender.
Race
In terms of race, although stated that this is irrelevant when decisions are being
made whether to execute a criminal, it plays a major part in the decision process
according to researchers at the university of North Carolina. The study consisted of
502 murder cases dating back to 1993 up to 1997. The analysis of theses cases
showed that it was 3.5 times more likely that a sentence to death would be
passed if the victims who were killed were white.
“No matter how the data was analysed, the race of the victim always emerged as an
important factor in who receives the death penalty.” Dr Unah of North Carolina University
(Data found on the death penalty website-www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/dpicexec00.html, 2001)
An Associated Press release confirmed that the report findings were at present being
presented to the North Carolina General Assembly, who may consider suspension of
the bill in both the House and Senate. Kentucky are the only state in the whole of
American who wish to introduce the decision of life imprisonment without parole, and
if studies of racial discrimination are being conducted when deciding on capital
punishment, then the law wishes to have it barred all together. They have already
passed a bill, which allows statistical evidence to be used in defence for having
capital punishment, and if judged as a race factor will not allow execution to play a
part in the defendants sentencing.
Juveniles
At present there are 73 inmates awaiting death row for juvenile crimes, this
constitutes about 2% of the death penalty defendants. Three-quarters of these cases
involved 16 to 17 year old offenders, and two-thirds of them were marginal offenders.
In contrast, 83% of their victims who were murdered were adults, two-thirds of them
being of white or Caucasian race, and half of which were females.
All those sentenced to execution, are predominantly male and whose charges are for
murder, and in some cases also included rape.
Gender
Graph C gives a breakdown of female defendants who have been executed from
January 1973 to June 2000. In the past 100 years, over 40 women have been
executed in the US. As of July 1, 2001 there were 54 .
This constitutes 1.45% of the total death row population 4000 persons.
On average race doesn’t seem to play a huge part in the sentencing process as there
doesn’t seem to be a coherent pattern in the race of the offender, in comparison to
that of the male offenders. Thus establishing an alternative method when deciding
upon capital punishment for women.
In conclusion to my research, and judging by the evidence given, it is clear to see
that the identity of the individual being sentenced to death and that of their victim
plays significant importance in the passing of sentences as severe as execution.
Another theory, which has come to knowledge, is the lack of evidence showing
white individuals who have committed crimes against black or ethnic minorities.
Throughout my research I have not come across any of these cases. Could this be
because white races are shown more compassion?
Or does it have to do with state policies that hold bias views towards black and ethnic
social groups? This may only be my own opinion, but judging from recent studies
from various other universities and private funds it’s clear that it’s a view shared by
many who hold question to whether the death penalty enforces justice towards
those who are wrong, or as a means of punishment that feel they have wronged,
even when innocent.
