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1888
Seeking a more humane method of execution than hanging, New York builds the first electric chair. Soon after, other states adopt this execution method. -
1924
The use of cyanide gas is first introduced as a more humane way of executing inmates in Nevada. -
1936
Some 61 percent of Americans favor the death penalty for persons convicted of murder, according to a Gallup Poll -
1947
In reaction to the atrocities committed during the Second World War, Italy becomes the first major power in Europe to abolish capital punishment. -
1962
Canada conducts its last execution -
1965
The death penalty has been abolished in 13 states, and the number of executions in those states where capital punishment remains legal drops from 199 in 1935 to seven in 1965. -
1966
Support for the death penalty reaches in all time low with 42 percent of Americans supporting it. -
1972
A Supreme Court ruling in the case of Furman v. Georgia suspends the death penalty citing "cruel and unusual punishment." An official moratorium remains until 1976. -
1976
In the case of Gregg v. Georgia, the Supreme Court legalizes capital punishment. -
1977
Utah becomes the first state to execute a prisoner since the Court's ruling when Gary Gilmore is put to death by firing squad. -
1980
The American Medical Association passes a resolution against physician participation in lethal injections as a violation of core medical ethics. -
1982
Charles Brooks becomes the first person in the U.S. executed by legal injection when he is put to death in Texas. -
1994
President Clinton signs a crime bill making dozens of federal crimes subject to death penalty. Public support for the death penalty reaches 80 percent. -
1999
The United Nations Human Rights Commission passes a resolution supporting a worldwide moratorium on executions. -
2002
The Supreme Court bans execution of the mentally retarded.