What is capital punishment? Capital punishment is the execution of an offender sentenced to death after conviction of a criminal offense by a court of law. Death penalty and capital punishment are sometimes used interchangeably, but when someone receives the death penalty there is a possibility of commutation to prison. So, the penalty is not always followed by the execution. Many states still use capital punishment, but some do not. Capital Punishment is a long, debated topic.

Capital punishment is a very broad topic. There are many different views surrounding it. Even the Supreme Court's view on it has not always remained the same. Also, it has a very intriguing history in the United States. For instance, the Salem witch trials of 1692. They occurred in the colonies before they became the United States. There are also many instruments of execution. Though, many types of execution are no longer...