As much as any controversy, capital punishment is a major issue in American politics.
As much as any controversy, capital punishment is a major issue in American politics.
In 2002, 71 persons in 13 States were executed -- 33 in Texas; 7 in Oklahoma, 6 in Missouri; 4 each in Georgia and Virginia, 3 each in , South Carolina, and Ohio; 2 each in Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina; and 1 each in Louisiana and California.
In 2003, 65 inmates were executed, 6 fewer than in 2002.
The death penalty has become a topic of serious controversy in recent years. In particular, debate has been made over whether or not the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for severe crimes such as murder. Although the topic has been the subject of recent debate, it is interesting to note that the basic opinions on both sides of the argument date back to ancient times.
