An abundance of people are opposed to incendiary topics. Among these topics, is the death penalty. The death penalty is used as a sentencing alternative for federal crimes and offenses. There are multiple methods of execution, these methods are lethal injection, electrocution, gas chamber, hanging, and a firing squad ("Death Penalty Information Center"). Over the past twelve years there has been a major decrease in the number of executions due to the death penalty. This has citizens and judges alike analyzing, and pondering whether the use of the death penalty should be omitted,or if it should become a principle within United States courts and prisons. The death penalty is commonly known for gaining the interest and engagement of critics everywhere. …show more content…
Recently, though the death penalty has lost support, and gaining more opposition. “According to a Gallup poll released October 25. Gallup reported that 60% of respondents said they support capital punishment—off one percentage point from last year—while opposition remained at 37%, matching its highest level since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the death penalty in 1972” (J. Jones). Due to the lack of support lately, many people are pondering whether the death penalty should be authorized. “50% of respondents believe the death penalty is applied fairly, the lowest level in the question's 17-year history, and 44% believe it is applied unfairly, the highest level in 17 years” (J. Jones). Many people believed that the death penalty will soon be abolished from all national court and prison systems. Nevertheless, the death penalty has been gaining additional opposition from numerous states in the past decade. As of November 9,2016, 31 states are currently utilizing the death penalty, whilst 19 states have abolished and overturn it, and 4 other states have Gubernatorial Moratoria” ("Death Penalty Information Center"). A great deal of states are not longer utilizing the death penalty. There are various reasons for this, some of which include; the