The statistic represents the most common reasons to support the death penalty in the United States in 2014. In 2014, the biblical phrase "an eye for an eye" is the most popular reason for Americans to support the death penalty. About 35 percent of respondents stated this phrase as the main reason for their support.
Most common reasons for U.S. citizens to support the death penalty in 2014
Characteristic
Share of respondents
An eye for an eye/ they took a life/ fits the crime
35%
Save taxpayers money/ cost associated with prison
14%
They deserve it
14%
They will repeat crime/ keep them from repeating it
7%
Deterrent for potential crimes/ set an example
6%
Depends on the type of crime they commit
5%
Fair punishment
4%
Serve justice
4%
If there's no doubt the person committed the crime
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Gallup. (October 23, 2014). Most common reasons for U.S. citizens to support the death penalty in 2014 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved March 15, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/339768/most-common-reasons-for-us-citizens-to-support-the-death-penalty/
Gallup. "Most common reasons for U.S. citizens to support the death penalty in 2014." Chart. October 23, 2014. Statista. Accessed March 15, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/339768/most-common-reasons-for-us-citizens-to-support-the-death-penalty/
Gallup. (2014). Most common reasons for U.S. citizens to support the death penalty in 2014. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: March 15, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/339768/most-common-reasons-for-us-citizens-to-support-the-death-penalty/
Gallup. "Most Common Reasons for U.S. Citizens to Support The Death Penalty in 2014." Statista, Statista Inc., 23 Oct 2014, https://www.statista.com/statistics/339768/most-common-reasons-for-us-citizens-to-support-the-death-penalty/
Gallup, Most common reasons for U.S. citizens to support the death penalty in 2014 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/339768/most-common-reasons-for-us-citizens-to-support-the-death-penalty/ (last visited March 15, 2025)
Most common reasons for U.S. citizens to support the death penalty in 2014 [Graph], Gallup, October 23, 2014. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/339768/most-common-reasons-for-us-citizens-to-support-the-death-penalty/
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