The executioner's song plays loud and strong in the United States. In the last two years, execution chambers across the country have been busier than at any point since 1995 as the death row population has exploded to some 3,500 inmates. In imposing the death penalty for juvenile conviction, the U.S. is considered the world leader.
Few issues divide the nation as sharply as capital punishment.
Violent crime has decreased in recent years. Yet it is hard to say why. Use the maps in the left-hand margin to see just how differently the death penalty is applied from state to state, and country to country. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form.