From 1967 until 1972, the United States Supreme Court debated on whether or not capital punishment is constitutional. On June 29, 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty is unconstitutional because in some cases it can go against the Eighth Amendment. The Eighth Amendment protects citizens from "cruel and unusual punishment". For nine years, from 1967 until 1976, capital punishment was in a state of national moratorium. This means the states stopped all executions. In July of 1976, …showed first 75 words of 611 total…

…showed last 75 words of 611 total…this alternative sentence. I think rather than it be an option instead of the death penalty, it should be the only sentence option for convicted capital murderers. This would promote fairness in our legal system, and rule out the chance of taking an innocent life. Currently, over 1,700 people have received this alternative sentence. According to the Governor's Office, no one sentenced to life without parole has been released since the state provided this option in 1977.