60%

Of Americans say the death penalty is morally acceptable, while 34% say it is not. While this measure has remained relatively stable over time, the current 60% is on the lower end of acceptance of the death penalty nationwide since Gallup began measuring it in 2001. When Gallup began asking this question in 2001, 63% said it was morally acceptable, while 27% said it was morally wrong. The biggest wave of support for its acceptability came in 2006, at 71%, while the low mark was in 2012, at 58%.

Connect: