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Capital punishment was in the news a great deal last month when the governor of Illinois, George Ryan, commuted the sentences of all thos on death rown in his state before leaving office. My question today is: what state was the first in U.S. history to abolish the death penalty?
Michigan, in 1847. At this point, eleven other states, as well as the District of Columbia, have abolished capital punishment. Source: Information Please Almanac and National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
Michigan, in 1847. At this point, eleven other states, as well as the District of Columbia, have abolished capital punishment. Source: Information Please Almanac and National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.