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Capital Punishment, 1987

NCJ Number
111939
Date Published
July 1988
Publication Series
Annotation
This report provides detailed national information on inmates under death sentences.
Abstract

Data show 1987 executions and the status of the death penalty as of December 31, 1987. The number of persons under sentence of death during 1953-87 is graphed, followed by information on the method of execution by State for 1987. The minimum age authorized for capital punishment by State is reported for 1987. A table shows the number of inmates under sentence of death by region and State for yearend 1986 and 1987. A demographic profile of inmates under the death sentence for 1987 covers sex, race, ethnicity, age, education, and marital status. A criminal history profile of death row inmates by race for 1987 addresses prior felony conviction history, prior homicide conviction history, legal status at the time of the capital offense, and the median time elapsed since the imposition of the death sentence. The percentage of those under the death sentence who were executed or received other dispositions is reported by race for 1977-87, along with the elapsed time between death sentence imposition and execution for 1977-87. Appendixes provide data on Federal death penalty statutes in the U.S. Code and the current status of those sentenced to death between 1973 and 1987. 10 figures, 12 tables.

Date Published: July 1, 1988