Annenberg Classroom - Timelines

1608

… First Execution Carried Out In Colonies

1632

… First Woman Executed In Colonies

1767

… Essay Against Death Penalty Gets Widespread Attention

1790

… Anti-Death Penalty Movement Takes Shape

1791

… Eighth Amendment Passed

1878

… Execution By Public Shooting Not 'Cruel And Unusual' Punishment

1888

… Electric Chair Is Introduced

1890

… Execution By Electrocution Ruled Constitutional

1900

… Some States Abolish Death Penalty

1920

… Renewed Public Support For Death Penalty

1924

… Use Of Cyanide Gas Introduced In Executions

1947

… Second Electrocution Attempt After First One Fails Is Not 'Cruel and Unusual'

1950

… Public Opinion On Death Penalty Changes Again

1958

… Court Tries To Define What 'Cruel And Unusual' Means

1972

… Most Death Penalty Statutes Declared Unconstitutional

1976

… Mandatory Death Sentences Are Struck Down
… Court Defines When Death Penalty Is Constitutional

1977

… Death Penalty Ruled Unconstitutional For Certain Crimes
… Lethal Injection Introduced As Execution Method

1986

… Execution Of Insane Inmates Banned

1988

… Execution Of Juveniles Found Unconstitutional

1989

… Execution Of Mentally Retarded Inmates Is Upheld

1993

… Evidence Of Innocence Not Enough to Invalidate Death Sentence

1997

… Electric Chair Challenged Again In Florida
… Electric Chair Malfunctions In Florida

2000

… Ill. Governor Declares Moratorium On Executions
… Report Shows Racial And Geographic Disparities In Executions

2002

… Court Reverses Itself On Executing Mentally Retarded Inmates

2003

… New Standards For Defense Counsel's Obligations In Capital Cases

2008

… Court Upholds Lethal Injection Method In Ky.
… Court Rejects Death Penalty For Child Rape

2011

… Illinois Abolishes Death Penalty

2015

… Lethal Injection Procedure Allowed