Majorities favor the death penalty and say it is morally justified, yet many do not think it deters serious crimes
% who __ the death penalty for persons convicted of murder
% who say …
Note: No answer responses are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted July 6-12, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Majorities favor the death penalty and say it is morally justified, yet many do not think it deters serious crimes
% who __ the death penalty for persons convicted of murder
| Do you strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose the death penalty for persons convicted of murder? | % |
|---|---|
| Strongly favor | 30 |
| Somewhat favor | 36 |
| Somewhat oppose | 20 |
| Strongly oppose | 13 |
| Refused | 2 |
| NET Favor | 66 |
| NET Oppose | 32 |
| The death penalty DOES deter people from committing serious crimes | 39 |
| The death penalty DOES NOT deter people from committing serious crimes | 59 |
| When someone commits a crime like murder, the death penalty is morally justified | 68 |
| The death penalty is morally wrong, even when someone commits a crime like murder | 28 |
Note: No answer responses are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted July 6-12, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
