|
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 rates 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 one-third 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.