| Year of Reenactment
(since 1972 suspension) |
1974 | |
| Year of First Execution
(since reenactment) |
1992 | |
| History
|
1829-1957: hanging |
|
| Current Method
|
Lethal
injection  |
|
|
|
|
Delaware has life without parole. Sentencing is decided by a judge, who can override the jury's recommendation. The Governor has the authority to grant clemency on the advice of the Board of Pardons. The Governor needs a favorable recommendation from the board in order to grant clemency, but does not have to go along with the recommendation.
Delaware has one of the highest rate of executions as a fraction of its
population of any state in the U.S. In 1996, Delaware conducted
one of the few hangings that have occurred in the U.S. since the death
penalty was reinstated. Almost half of their executions have been
volunteers who waived their right to appeal. In 2003 Delaware
dismantled their Gallows, leaving lethal injection the sole method of
execution.
