Some major U.S. religious groups differ from their members on the death penalty
Many large religious groups have taken positions in opposition to the death penalty even though that stance is sometimes at odds with the opinions of their adherents.
A majority of Americans favor the death penalty for those convicted of murder, but support is at a 40-year low.
Over 1300 executions have occurred in the U.S. since 1977, the year after the Supreme Court reaffirmed its approval of the death penalty. See how many executions have been performed in each state since the ruling.
As the Supreme Court’s decisions on subjects as same-sex marriage, the death penalty and the Affordable Care Act loom, half of Americans have a favorable opinion of the court, while 39% say they have an unfavorable view.
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