Hi, im writeing a paper for school, and wondering what a person would have to do to recieve the death sentence. right now all i know is first degree murder. thanks -George
2006-10-26 11:48:07 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
First and Second Degree murder, multiple homicide and treason. These 4 are the only crimes considered capitol crimes, because they can entail capitol punishment
2006-10-26 11:50:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Capital offenses are
1. First Degree Murder-what specific aggravating circumstances make the murder capital vary from state to state but the universal definition is that the homicide was committed in an especially heinous or atrocious or cruel manner. It is also generally accepted that the killing of more then one person or the killing of a person during the commission of certain felonies (most commonly, rape, robbery, & drug dealing) is also a capital offense. Different states also use the status of the victim as a criteria for determining death penalty eligibility. Killing of police officers, persons who have an outstanding protective order against the defendant, children under a certain age and elderly persons over a certain age often fall into this category.
2. Treason
3. Aggravated Rape of a child under 13 (in the State of Louisiana only-South Carolina and Florida are trying to enact similar laws but I am not sure if they are on the books yet)
4. The death penalty has been determined to be cruel and unusual punishment by the United States Supreme Court under the following circumstances: Rape of an adult (Coker case); When the defendant is mentally retarded with an IQ lower then 70 (Atkins case); When the defendant is a juvenile (I think the cut off is 17 or younger but I am not 100% sure on that and I don't remember the case)
If you ever have another legal question, put what State you are in. The law varies greatly from State to State and knowing the jurisdiction will help knowledgable people answer your question. Good luck with your project.
2006-10-27 04:27:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, it depends on the state. Somestates do not have the death penalty at all. Generally, however, those states that do have the death penalty only use it for First Degree murder, or Treason. This applies to the laws in the USA.
2006-10-26 13:18:26 · answer #3 · answered by dropkicksiu 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only first degree murder or High treason or desertion are punishable by death in America.
Elsewhere, rape, child molestation, free speech, free press, and just being the wrong ethnic group can get a person killed by the government.
2006-10-26 11:57:42 · answer #4 · answered by my_iq_135 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Kill a policeman, Kill a pregnant mother and her unborn baby, Kill children. It mostly depends on which state you are in.
I believe in Texas, you can get it for murdering anyone, and possibly raping a child.
2006-10-26 11:57:50 · answer #5 · answered by pixles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a serial killer seems to work real well for that. Think Ted Bundy.
2006-10-26 11:52:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do a really bad thing that deserves that punishment it also depends on the laws of the country from which he is judged
2006-10-26 11:57:21 · answer #7 · answered by Poseidon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whatever it is, it is best to do it in texas where they give out death sentences like party favors
2006-10-26 11:52:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they don't have to DO anything.... they just have to get convicted of something horendous...
2006-10-26 11:52:21 · answer #9 · answered by ghost6768 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋