The death penalty has a long and controversial history in Pennsylvania. The state was one of the first in the United States to abolish the death penalty, only to reinstate it in the late 20th century. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the death penalty in Pennsylvania, including its origins, abolition, and reinstatement.
The death penalty was first established in Pennsylvania in 1794, when the state enacted its first penal code. At the time, the death penalty was used for a wide range of crimes, including murder, arson, burglary, and forgery. However, the use of the death penalty was sporadic in the early years of the state, with many convicted criminals receiving sentences of imprisonment or transportation instead.
By the mid-19th century, the use of the death penalty had become more widespread in Pennsylvania. Between 1850 and 1868, the state executed 140 people, making it one of the most active death penalty states in the nation at the time. However, public opinion began to turn against the death penalty in the late 19th century, with many people advocating for its abolition.
In 1913, Pennsylvania became the first state in the United States to establish a commission to study the death penalty. The commission found that the death penalty was applied arbitrarily and inconsistently, and recommended its abolition. In 1915, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a bill to abolish the death penalty, making it the second state in the nation to do so.
However, the abolition of the death penalty in Pennsylvania was short-lived. In 1978, the state reinstated the death penalty for certain crimes, including murder of a police officer, murder committed during a kidnapping, and murder committed with a deadly weapon during a robbery. Since then, Pennsylvania has executed three people and has over 100 people on death row.
The use of the death penalty remains controversial in Pennsylvania, with many people advocating for its abolition once again. In 2015, Governor Tom Wolf issued a moratorium on executions, stating that the state’s system of capital punishment was “error-prone, expensive, and anything but infallible.” The moratorium remains in effect to this day.
In conclusion, the history of the death penalty in Pennsylvania is a complex and controversial one. The state was one of the first to abolish the death penalty, only to reinstate it in the late 20th century. The use of the death penalty remains a topic of debate in Pennsylvania and across the United States, with many people advocating for its abolition. Whether or not the death penalty will continue to be used in Pennsylvania remains to be seen.
Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:
- Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
- Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
- Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.
This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.
