Executions Over Time
Watt Espy's amazing research documents 14,634 executions between the years 1608 and 1991. 11,528 of them involve successful murder. 49% of those executed were Black as opposed to 41% White. Historically speaking there has been an average of 1 execution every 9.56 days over the 383 years of the study.
Executions Then to Now, 1608 to 1991
Over the first 100 years there were 191 documented executions. Murder was involved in only 34% of these crimes. Executions occurred at an average rate of less than 2 a year or 1 execution every 191 days.
Over the next 100 years there were 1,554 documented executions. Murder, again, was involved in only 34% of these crimes. Executions occurred at an average rate of 15.5 a year or 1 execution every 3 1/2 weeks.
Over the next 100 years there were 6,330 documented executions. Murder was the crime in 82% (5,177) of these cases. Executions occurred at an average rate of 63.3 a year or 1 execution every 5.8 days.
Over the last 83 years of the study (including moratoriums) there were 6,559 documented executions. Murder was the crime in 88% (5,762) of these cases. Executions occurred at an average rate of 79 a year or 1 execution every 4.6 days.
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