Death Penalty Reversal Among Americans

What a difference a question can make. When asked if one supports the death penalty, yes or no, a majority will say yes. If asked does one support the death penalty, yes and alternative answers to no such as life in prison and having to work to make restitution for the family, the majority of respondents answered no.

See -> Death Penalty Information Center

I tend to come down on the side of, does not support the death penalty. Then I think of someone like Pol Pot...

CS Monitor: Death penalty for murder? Majority supports an alternative, poll says.

Respondents were asked which of four statements about punishment for murder was closest to their own view.

1) The penalty for murder should be the death penalty – 33 percent.

2) The penalty for murder should be life in prison WITH the possibility of parole – 9 percent.

3) The penalty for murder should be life in prison with NO possibility of parole – 13 percent.

4) The penalty for murder should be life in prison with NO possibility of parole, AND a requirement to work to make restitution for the victim’s family – 39 percent.