The Death Penalty in 2007

According to the 2007 annual report of the Death Penalty Information Center, 2007 had 42 executions - the lowest number in 13 years. This decrease is due in part to the de facto moratorium imposed while the Supreme Court considers a challenge to lethal injection procedures.

62% of executions in 2007 were in Texas, while 86% were in South states.

There were approximately 110 death sentences - the lowest number in 30 years.

2007 saw three exonerations, in Oklahoma, Tennessee and North Carolina, while eleven inmates had their sentences commuted.

Both New Jersey and New York ended their death penalties, with the New Jersey legislature passing an abolition bill just before Christmas.