As a legal expert, I would like to clarify that the legality of the death penalty varies significantly from country to country, and even within different states or regions of a single country. The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is a legal penalty in some jurisdictions, while it has been abolished in others.

The United States is an example where the death penalty is legal in some states but not in others. As of my last update, there are 27 states in the U.S. that still have the death penalty, while 23 states, including the District of Columbia, have abolished it. The states that have abolished the death penalty include Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. However, it's important to note that the laws are subject to change, and public opinion as well as legal challenges can influence these laws.

The Department of Justice in the United States does include states in its "Capital Punishment" reports based on the status of their laws. If a state has not abolished or repealed its death penalty laws, it is considered to have legal capital punishment. However, this does not necessarily mean that executions are carried out regularly or that the death penalty is actively pursued by the state's judicial system. Some states may have a moratorium on executions, effectively putting a temporary halt to the death penalty, despite the laws still being on the books.

The debate surrounding the death penalty is complex and involves ethical, moral, and practical considerations. Supporters argue that it serves as a deterrent to crime and provides justice for the victims and their families. They believe that the death penalty is a necessary punishment for the most heinous crimes. On the other hand, opponents argue that it is inhumane, prone to error, and does not effectively deter crime. They also point out the racial and socioeconomic disparities in its application.

Internationally, the death penalty is a contentious issue. Many countries, particularly in Europe, have abolished the death penalty altogether. The European Convention on Human Rights, for example, prohibits the death penalty under all circumstances. However, other countries, such as China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, still use the death penalty.

The United Nations has called for a global moratorium on the death penalty with the view towards its eventual abolition. The UN believes that the death penalty violates the right to life and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

In conclusion, the legality of the death penalty is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It is a deeply divisive issue with strong arguments on both sides. The status of the death penalty can change over time as societal values evolve and legal systems adapt. It is crucial to stay informed about the laws in a specific jurisdiction and to consider the broader context of human rights and justice when discussing this topic.

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The Department of Justice includes these two states in its "Capital Punishment" reports because the death penalty laws have not been abolished or repealed so the states remain listed as having legal capital punishment.Mar 28, 2018read more >>