Executions On The Decline In America Except for Texas.

The death penalty is dying a slow death in America. Out of the 36 states that still carry out the punishment only 10 did so in 2006. While some states no longer carry out executions as a matter of law, others continue to while they grapple with the moral issues and legal challenges. According to the Death Penalty Information center, there have been 1099 executions committed in the United States between 1976 and 2006. Every state in the Union has committed less than 100 executions during that time with the exception of one big holdout. Listed below are the top ten states for executions, and the number that occured in their jurisdiction within that 30 year time frame:

1. Texas -----------405
2. Virginia --------- 98
3. Oklahoma ------ 86
4. Missouri -------- 66
5. Florida ---------- 64
6. N. Carolina ----- 43
7. Georgia --------- 40
8. Alabama -------- 38
9. S. Carolina ------37
10. Arkansas -------27