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Nov 23, 2025
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Key Insights on the Death Penalty Debate
R
Rachel Campanile
@rachelcampanile_ievt
1 / 5
History of Key Supreme Court Decisions
The Supreme Court serves as the major arbiter of when and how the death penalty can be administered in the United States. Through landmark cases, the Court has repeatedly redefined the constitutional boundaries of capital punishment.
In the pivotal 1972 case Furman v. Georgia, the Supreme Court effectively suspended the death penalty nationwide. Furman was convicted of murder after accidentally killing someone during a burglary. The Court ruled that the death penalty, as then administered, constituted cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. This decision forced states to revise their capital punishment laws.
Four years later, in Gregg v. Georgia (1976), the Court considered whether Georgia's revised death penalty statute was constitutional. Gregg had been sentenced to death for armed robbery and murder. The case reopened the door to capital punishment in America.
Did you know? The death penalty was temporarily suspended across the entire United States from 1972 to 1976 because of the Furman decision.
Limitations on Capital Punishment
In Gregg v. Georgia, the Supreme Court held (7-2) that the death penalty doesn't inherently violate the Constitution. The justices determined that for extreme cases like deliberate murder, capital punishment could be appropriate if carefully employed with proper safeguards.
Since reinstating the death penalty, the Court has established important restrictions on its use. The death penalty cannot be applied to the mentally ill (Ford v. Wainwright), must involve murder (not lesser crimes), and defendants must have effective legal counsel.
Further restrictions include that juries rather than judges must decide death sentences (Ring v. Arizona), and the death penalty cannot be imposed on those with developmental disabilities (Atkins v. Virginia) or on those who committed crimes before turning 18 (Roper v. Simmons).
Important! Even though capital punishment is legal, the Supreme Court has created numerous protections that significantly limit when and to whom it can be applied.
Public Opinion and Fairness Concerns
Public support for the death penalty has fluctuated over decades. It reached its highest point (around 80%) in the 1990s before declining to current levels. While most Americans believe the death penalty is applied fairly, this percentage has been decreasing since 2013.
Research reveals troubling racial disparities in capital punishment. In 82% of studies, the race of the victim influenced the likelihood of receiving a death sentence. Those who murdered white victims were significantly more likely to receive death sentences than those who murdered Black victims. The statistics are stark: 296 Black defendants with white victims received death sentences compared to just 21 white defendants with Black victims.
Political affiliation strongly correlates with death penalty support. Republicans are more likely to view capital punishment as morally justified compared to Democrats. Notably, even in the UK, where the death penalty was abolished in 1965, public support for it has persisted.
Consider this: Most respondents in surveys disagree with the statement that "there are adequate safeguards to ensure no innocent person will be put to death."
Wrongful Convictions and False Confessions
Wrongful convictions in death penalty cases happen for multiple reasons. These include unethical conduct by prosecutors, inconclusive DNA evidence, unreliable forensic techniques, false confessions, inaccurate eyewitness testimony, and inadequate legal representation.
Perhaps most surprising is how someone might confess to a crime they didn't commit. Over 360 wrongful convictions overturned by DNA evidence involved some form of false confession. These confessions often result from real or perceived intimidation, exhaustion, stress, mental limitations, or deceptive interrogation techniques. Young people are particularly vulnerable since they're taught to please authority figures and may not understand their rights.
A confession can be as simple as a grunt or a "yes" - it doesn't require a detailed explanation. This simplicity makes false confessions easier to obtain than many people realize.
Shocking fact: Many false confessions occur because suspects fear that refusing to confess will result in harsher punishment, even when they're innocent.
DNA Exoneration Statistics
The first DNA exoneration in the United States occurred in 1989, opening a new chapter in criminal justice. Since then, 375 people have been exonerated through DNA evidence across 37 states, revealing systemic flaws in our justice system.
These exonerees served an average of 14 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit, totaling over 5,284 years of wrongful imprisonment. The average person was only 26.6 years old when wrongfully convicted and 43 years old when finally exonerated. Disturbingly, 21 of these innocent people served time on death row, and 44 actually pled guilty to crimes they didn't commit.
The leading causes of these wrongful convictions include eyewitness misidentification (69%), misapplied forensic science (43%), false confessions (29%), and informant testimony (17%). While 268 exonerees have received compensation, it can never fully restore the lost years.
Think about this: If DNA evidence has exonerated 375 people, how many innocent people might have been executed before DNA testing became available?
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Key Insights on the Death Penalty Debate
R
Rachel Campanile
@rachelcampanile_ievt
The death penalty remains one of America's most debated legal issues. This summary explores key Supreme Court decisions that shaped capital punishment law, examines statistical patterns in its application, and investigates troubling aspects of wrongful convictions in death penalty cases.
History of Key Supreme Court Decisions
The Supreme Court serves as the major arbiter of when and how the death penalty can be administered in the United States. Through landmark cases, the Court has repeatedly redefined the constitutional boundaries of capital punishment.
In the pivotal 1972 case Furman v. Georgia, the Supreme Court effectively suspended the death penalty nationwide. Furman was convicted of murder after accidentally killing someone during a burglary. The Court ruled that the death penalty, as then administered, constituted cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. This decision forced states to revise their capital punishment laws.
Four years later, in Gregg v. Georgia (1976), the Court considered whether Georgia's revised death penalty statute was constitutional. Gregg had been sentenced to death for armed robbery and murder. The case reopened the door to capital punishment in America.
Did you know? The death penalty was temporarily suspended across the entire United States from 1972 to 1976 because of the Furman decision.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Limitations on Capital Punishment
In Gregg v. Georgia, the Supreme Court held (7-2) that the death penalty doesn't inherently violate the Constitution. The justices determined that for extreme cases like deliberate murder, capital punishment could be appropriate if carefully employed with proper safeguards.
Since reinstating the death penalty, the Court has established important restrictions on its use. The death penalty cannot be applied to the mentally ill (Ford v. Wainwright), must involve murder (not lesser crimes), and defendants must have effective legal counsel.
Further restrictions include that juries rather than judges must decide death sentences (Ring v. Arizona), and the death penalty cannot be imposed on those with developmental disabilities (Atkins v. Virginia) or on those who committed crimes before turning 18 (Roper v. Simmons).
Important! Even though capital punishment is legal, the Supreme Court has created numerous protections that significantly limit when and to whom it can be applied.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Public Opinion and Fairness Concerns
Public support for the death penalty has fluctuated over decades. It reached its highest point (around 80%) in the 1990s before declining to current levels. While most Americans believe the death penalty is applied fairly, this percentage has been decreasing since 2013.
Research reveals troubling racial disparities in capital punishment. In 82% of studies, the race of the victim influenced the likelihood of receiving a death sentence. Those who murdered white victims were significantly more likely to receive death sentences than those who murdered Black victims. The statistics are stark: 296 Black defendants with white victims received death sentences compared to just 21 white defendants with Black victims.
Political affiliation strongly correlates with death penalty support. Republicans are more likely to view capital punishment as morally justified compared to Democrats. Notably, even in the UK, where the death penalty was abolished in 1965, public support for it has persisted.
Consider this: Most respondents in surveys disagree with the statement that "there are adequate safeguards to ensure no innocent person will be put to death."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Wrongful Convictions and False Confessions
Wrongful convictions in death penalty cases happen for multiple reasons. These include unethical conduct by prosecutors, inconclusive DNA evidence, unreliable forensic techniques, false confessions, inaccurate eyewitness testimony, and inadequate legal representation.
Perhaps most surprising is how someone might confess to a crime they didn't commit. Over 360 wrongful convictions overturned by DNA evidence involved some form of false confession. These confessions often result from real or perceived intimidation, exhaustion, stress, mental limitations, or deceptive interrogation techniques. Young people are particularly vulnerable since they're taught to please authority figures and may not understand their rights.
A confession can be as simple as a grunt or a "yes" - it doesn't require a detailed explanation. This simplicity makes false confessions easier to obtain than many people realize.
Shocking fact: Many false confessions occur because suspects fear that refusing to confess will result in harsher punishment, even when they're innocent.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
DNA Exoneration Statistics
The first DNA exoneration in the United States occurred in 1989, opening a new chapter in criminal justice. Since then, 375 people have been exonerated through DNA evidence across 37 states, revealing systemic flaws in our justice system.
These exonerees served an average of 14 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit, totaling over 5,284 years of wrongful imprisonment. The average person was only 26.6 years old when wrongfully convicted and 43 years old when finally exonerated. Disturbingly, 21 of these innocent people served time on death row, and 44 actually pled guilty to crimes they didn't commit.
The leading causes of these wrongful convictions include eyewitness misidentification (69%), misapplied forensic science (43%), false confessions (29%), and informant testimony (17%). While 268 exonerees have received compensation, it can never fully restore the lost years.
Think about this: If DNA evidence has exonerated 375 people, how many innocent people might have been executed before DNA testing became available?
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user