June 14, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the United States support capital punishment but question its efficacy as a crime deterrent, according to a poll by RT Strategies for the Death Penalty Information Center. 62 per cent of respondents favour the death penalty for persons convicted of murder, but only 38 per cent think the prospect of capital punishment is likely to prevent potential murderers

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the United States support capital punishment but question its efficacy as a crime deterrent, according to a poll by RT Strategies for the Death Penalty Information Center. 62 per cent of respondents favour the death penalty for persons convicted of murder, but only 38 per cent think the prospect of capital punishment is likely to prevent potential murderers from committing murder.

Since 1976, 1,079 people have been put to death in the United States, including 22 this year. More than a third of all executions have taken place in the state of Texas. Twelve states and the District of Columbia do not engage in capital punishment.

In May, the Texas Senate ratified a bill that allows for the execution of a repeat offender in cases of aggravated sexual assault of children under 14. Lieutenant governor David Dewhurst expressed satisfaction with the legislation, saying, "Sex predators migrate toward jurisdictions where the laws are easier. They're going to be leaving Texas if that's the case."

Polling Data

Do you favour or oppose the death penalty for persons convicted of murder?

Favour	62%
Oppose	28%
Not sure	10%

Do you think the prospect of receiving the death penalty is likely to prevent potential murderers from committing murder?

Yes	38%
No	60%
Not sure	2%

Source: RT Strategies / Death Penalty Information Center
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted from Mar. 8 to Mar. 11, 2007. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

Complete Poll (PDF)

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