Additional Coverage:
- US carries out 25 executions this year as death penalty trends in nation held steady (newsbreak.com)
Executions in the US Decline to Historic Lows
In 2024, the US witnessed a continuation of the downward trend in executions, with only 25 carried out nationwide. This marks the 10th consecutive year with fewer than 30 executions.
Small Number of States Responsible for Majority of Executions
Four states – Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas – accounted for 76% of all executions in 2024. Alabama made history by becoming the first state to use nitrogen gas as an execution method.
Death Sentences Also Decline
New death sentences have also declined significantly, with only 26 handed down in 2024. This is the tenth consecutive year with fewer than 50 death sentences.
Alabama Becomes First State to Use Nitrogen Gas
Alabama’s use of nitrogen gas in executions has raised concerns about the availability of lethal injection drugs. Other states have also explored alternative methods due to the difficulty in obtaining these drugs.
Unlikely Support for Death Row Inmates
Despite the continued support for capital punishment in some states, conservative lawmakers and prosecutors have publicly opposed certain executions. This includes efforts to delay executions or overturn death sentences.
Supreme Court’s Role in Death Penalty Dwindles
The Supreme Court has become less involved in regulating the death penalty, granting only a small number of requests for stays or reviews in 2024. This reflects the court’s overall shift away from limiting the use of capital punishment.