Capital punishment in history History Timeline and Biographies

Code of Hammurabi: Early Legal Framework

The Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length, established laws that included capital punishment for various offenses, reflecting the belief in retributive justice in ancient Babylon.

Draconian Laws of Athens

In Athens, Draco's laws were famously harsh, with many crimes punishable by death, highlighting the extreme measures used in ancient Greek society to maintain order and control.

Roman Empire: Crucifixion as Punishment

During the Roman Empire, crucifixion became a widely used method of capital punishment, particularly for slaves and rebels, symbolizing the state's power over life and death.

Magna Carta and Limitations on Capital Punishment

The Magna Carta established certain legal protections, including the idea that capital punishment should not be arbitrary, leading to the gradual development of legal rights for those accused of crimes in England.

Enlightenment Thinkers Challenge Capital Punishment

Philosophers like Cesare Beccaria argued against the death penalty, advocating for reform in criminal justice and emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation over retribution in capital punishment in history.

First Execution by Electric Chair in the United States

New York became the first state to use the electric chair as a method of execution, marking a shift towards more 'humane' methods of capital punishment in history.

Abolition of Public Executions in England

The last public execution in England took place in 1868, leading to a movement towards private executions and a growing debate about the morality of capital punishment in society.

First State to Abolish the Death Penalty

Vermont became the first U.S. state to abolish capital punishment, reflecting a growing trend towards questioning the legitimacy of the death penalty in American legal systems.

United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Capital Punishment

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for a moratorium on capital punishment, signaling a global movement towards its abolition and raising awareness about human rights issues related to the death penalty.

Furman v. Georgia: Supreme Court Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty, as it was applied at the time, constituted cruel and unusual punishment, leading to a temporary halt in executions across the country.

Reinstatement of Capital Punishment in the U.S.

Following the Supreme Court's ruling, many states revised their death penalty laws, leading to a resurgence of capital punishment in the United States by the mid-1980s.

Global Trends: Abolition of Capital Punishment

As of 2007, over 130 countries had abolished the death penalty in law or practice, reflecting a significant shift in global attitudes towards capital punishment in history.

Continued Debates and Reforms

Many countries continue to debate the relevance and morality of capital punishment, with some states in the U.S. considering reforms or moratoriums on executions, highlighting the ongoing evolution of capital punishment in history.

International Human Rights Advocacy Against Capital Punishment

Human rights organizations intensified their campaigns against capital punishment, emphasizing its irreversible nature and potential for wrongful convictions, further influencing public opinion and policy.