Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Death Penalty Support Still Strong In U.S.

May 22, 2003

(CPOD) May 22, 2003 - Support for capital punishment remains high in the United States, according to a poll by Gallup. 74 per cent of respondents say they are in favour of the death penalty for convicted murderers, a six per cent increase since October 2001.

A majority of Americans believe execution is more appropriate than life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. 53 per cent of respondents say the death penalty is more suitable than incarceration.

Since 1976, 854 people have been put to death in the U.S., including 34 during 2003. A third of all executions take place in Texas. Twelve states and the District of Columbia do not engage in capital punishment, and moratoriums on executions have been issued in Illinois and Maryland.

Polling Data

Are you in favour of the death penalty for a person convicted of murder?

May 2003

Oct. 2002

May 2002

Oct. 2001

Yes

74%

70%

72%

68%

No

24%

25%

25%

26%


Which is the better penalty for murder, the death penalty or life imprisonment with absolutely no possibility of parole?

May 2003

May 2002

May 2001

Death penalty

53%

52%

52%

Life imprisonment

44%

43%

43%


Source: Gallup
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,005 American adults, conducted from May 5 to May 7, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

Archive Search

Over 19,300 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.


Advanced Search