the history of the death penalty
By: Jermain Leon and Will Faber
What is the death penalty?
criminal scum
electric chair
States that have the death penalty
the 1600's
In 1612 many rimes were classified as means for death penalty including stealing vegetables and trading with the indians.
public hangings were seen as good morale ad helped to keep kids from breaking the law.
Burning was a popular medieval form of death penalty at this time.
The 1700's
In 1767 many abolitionists worked to do away with the death penalty.
In 1777 Thomas Jefferson worked to change Virginia's laws on the death penalty so that only murder and treason were reasons for death.
In 1790 the Bill of Rights passes the 8th amendment stating that there will be no cruel or unusual punishment.
The 1800's
In 1834 New York and Pennsylvania make public executions illegal.
In 1838 Tennessee stops using mandatory death sentences in favor of the choice between death and life in prison.
In 1846 Michigan ends death penalty for all crimes except treason.
The 1900's
In 1920 criminologists argue that the death penalty is crucial in keeping society together.
In 1924, gas becomes a popular method of execution.
In 1948 the U.N. makes the universal declaration of human rights giving all humans the right to life.
The 2000's (aka Present day)
In 2003 13 people on deathrow were found innocent and freed.
In 2004 New York Abolishes the death penalty for being unconstitutional.