Pandemic forces executions and death penalty sentences to historic lows

The United States is poised to sentence fewer convicted criminals to death than any year in modern history while executions drop to 30-year lows, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

From January to June, judges in four states have sentenced 13 people to execution. If the low rate of sentences continues, 2020 will see the fewest death sentences since 1977. Historically, 100 to 300 people are sentenced to death each year. The number had already been dropped significantly in the past two decades as public opinion became less favorable toward the death penalty.