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

Legal experts say graphic videos could bias jurors into viewing the killing as especially heinous, a critical aggravating factor in the prosecution’s death penalty case. —Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026

That type of evidence was introduced in 12% of all murder trials and 25% of death penalty trials between 2014 and 2024. —Christopher M. Filley, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026

Did a conflict of interest play into death penalty pursuit? —Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026

There is no death penalty option for criminal cases lodged in New York state courts. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

The murder through the use of a firearm charge carried a possible death penalty sentence. —Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026

Jury selection in a trial that involves a potential death penalty requires a more rigorous process than for other crimes. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2026

Braddy was on Florida’s Death Row from 2007 to 2017, until he was granted a new sentencing trial due to constitutional issues surrounding the state’s death penalty. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026

That is the only charge Mangione faces that carries the potential death penalty. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 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.