The death penalty seems to be losing popularity, specifically in Texas where the number of death penalties dealt out has reached record lows. There are several explanations for this. Hollywood may have influenced the modern jury by giving an expectation of proof on the level of a CSI show. This makes the jury harder to convince than in the past (this last year 9 death penalties were dealt out as compared to about 48 per year in the late 1990’s).
Another possible explanation is that the cost of prosecuting a death penalty case, which could require a large amount of resources given the increasing expertise of lawyers and a more exhaustive review of such cases by judges, is an effort which is difficult for some communities to sustain. The possibility of a life sentence without parole may also have made a difference because in the past the two options for serious offenses were life in prison with the possibility of parole in 40 years or death row.
Furthermore, it is suggested that perchance the demographics in Texas and regions of the South are changing, causing a shift in the prevalent ideologies. I did a little research and found what Gallup has to say on the issue; I was astounded by my findings. There seems to be overwhelming support for the death penalty across all lines (party, gender, religion, etc.). So much for gradual enlightenment... Go to Gallup to see more.
