death penalty

noun

: death as punishment for a crime : capital punishment

—used with the

Prosecutors recommended the death penalty.

Examples of death penalty in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The shifts in California’s criminal justice system are reflected in legal battles waged by the pro-death penalty Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, a nonprofit that supports victims of crime and their families in court. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The secrets of Georgia’s death penalty process could face scrutiny in the coming days. — Max Blau, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2026

Their death sentences were reduced to life in prison after the California Supreme Court invalidated the state's death penalty in 1972. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Florida governor Ron DeSantis continues an aggressive death penalty push as the end of his term approaches. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

death penalty

noun

: death as punishment for a crime

called also capital punishment

see also cruel and unusual punishment, Gregg v. Georgia

Note: The U.S. Supreme Court has held that the death penalty is not inherently violative of the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment, provided that the method is not deemed cruel and that the punishment is not excessive in relation to the crime. A statute mandating the death penalty is unconstitutional, however. A sentencing judge is required to consider any mitigating circumstances before imposing the death penalty for a crime.