NCJ Number
108147
Journal
Investigators' Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (Summer 1985) Pages: 44-48
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the homicide rates between 1958 and 1976 in each of 48 States was designed to determine the effects of the moratorium on the use of the penalty beginning in 1967 and lasting for 9 years.
Abstract
The study used a 'natural phenomenon' methodology. The death penalty was in operation in 40 States before the natural phenomenon of the moratorium. Eight other States had never had a death penalty law. Data from the Uniform Crime Reports showed that the homicide rate increased until the peak years of 1974-1975 and then decreased slightly in 1976-1977. The actual number of executions varied widely by State. More than half (54 percent) of those executed were black, 45 percent were white, and 1 percent were other races. The homicide rate increased significantly during the moratorium in the death penalty States. No significant difference was found in States without the death penalty. The homicide rates in the death penalty States and the nonpenalty States did not differ significantly. States with higher homicide rates also have death penalty laws. Approximately 60 percent of executions also occurred in the south, showing regional differences in the administration of the death penalty. These findings are used by both proponents or opponents of the death penalty to support their positions. For example, proponents argue that States with higher homicide rates need the death penalty to deter future criminals, while opponents argue that these States act as a catalyst in promoting violence and homicide when they execute someone. Discussions are clouded by arguments surrounding the proper methodology to use and the way to interpret the results. Data tables.