HOUSTON — Capital Punishment Trends in the U.S. Show Historic Low Executions in 2024
The year 2024 has seen a notable decline in executions across the United States, with a concentration of these actions taking place in a limited number of states. Alabama made headlines as the first state to utilize nitrogen gas as a method of execution, according to an annual report on capital punishment.
The report, which highlights shifting public attitudes towards the death penalty, coincided with Oklahoma’s execution of Kevin Ray Underwood, marking the nation’s 25th execution of the year. Underwood was executed for the tragic murder of a 10-year-old girl tied to a cannibalistic fantasy.
Robin M. Maher, the executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, noted, “The significant decrease in new death sentences indicates a growing public reluctance towards the death penalty.” The report sheds light on the continuing drop in capital punishment cases, with only 26 new death sentences recorded in 2024—representing the tenth consecutive year under 50 new sentences.
While 2024’s execution count saw only a slight increase compared to the previous year, it marks the tenth straight year with fewer than 30 executions nationwide. A concentration of these executions occurred in four states—Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas—accounting for 76% of the total executions this year.
Historically, the landscape of capital punishment has changed dramatically. Over 20 years ago, the number of executions surpassed double the current figures, with a significant increase noted after the Supreme Court lifted its ban on capital punishment in 1976. Executions peaked at 98 in 1999, steadily decreasing ever since.
Experts like Michael Benza from Case Western Reserve University observe a dramatic decline in the use of the death penalty, especially outside the primary executing states. As several states adopt de facto abolition stances by ceasing executions, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas remain active participants in capital punishment.
Alabama led the charge with its unique execution method, executing Kenneth Eugene Smith in January using nitrogen gas, and followed suit with two more executions later in the year. Meanwhile, drug availability issues for lethal injections have prompted some states to explore alternative execution methods.
In 2024, only nine states carried out executions, with Texas, traditionally the most active state, recording just five executions, marking it as a notably quiet year.
As support for the death penalty remains robust in states like Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, there have been signs of change. Some lawmakers and prosecutors are publicly advocating against certain executions. Efforts aimed at delaying or reviewing death sentences have gained traction, indicating a shift in legislative perspectives.
In a significant trend, the Supreme Court has been less involved in regulating death penalty cases, granting only three out of 117 requests for execution stays or case reviews in 2024. Analysts suggest an increased focus on limiting defendants’ court access rather than curbing the state’s application of capital punishment.
The evolving landscape of capital punishment in the U.S. underscores a complicated relationship between legislative actions, public opinion, and judicial oversight as we move forward in this critical area of criminal justice.
