Public Attitudes Toward the Death Penalty Survey

Thanks for taking part in this survey on capital punishment. Your responses are completely confidential and anonymized. There are no right or wrong answers — we want your honest view, even if it's mixed or uncertain. It takes about 5 minutes.

Overall, how much do you support or oppose the use of the death penalty for serious crimes?

For which of the following, if any, do you believe the death penalty is an appropriate punishment? Select all that apply.

• Premeditated murder
• Murder of a police officer or public official
• Terrorism resulting in death
• Mass shootings
• Treason
• Drug trafficking

How much do you agree or disagree with each statement about the death penalty?

Which of these factors most and least shape your view on the death penalty?

• Deterrent effect on future crime
• Cost to taxpayers compared to life imprisonment
• Risk of executing an innocent person
• Closure for victims' families
• Moral or religious beliefs
• Racial and economic disparities in sentencing
• International human rights standards

If the death penalty were abolished, which alternative punishment would you consider most appropriate for the most serious crimes?

• Life imprisonment without possibility of parole
• Life imprisonment with possibility of parole after a long fixed term (e.g., 25 years)
• A long fixed-term sentence with periodic parole review
• There is no adequate alternative to the death penalty for the most serious crimes

In practice, how confident are you that the death penalty is applied fairly, regardless of a defendant's race, income, or location?

Has your view on the death penalty changed over time?

• Yes, I've become more supportive
• Yes, I've become more opposed
• No, my view hasn't changed
• I've never really thought about it before now

Explore the reasoning behind the respondent's overall stance on the death penalty, anchoring on their initial rating and which crimes they said it should apply to. If they support it but also agreed there's a meaningful risk of executing an innocent person, probe how they reconcile that tension. If their stance seems inconsistent with their answers elsewhere (e.g., opposing it in general but selecting eligible crimes, or vice versa), gently clarify the inconsistency. Ask what evidence, case, or argument, if any, could change their mind.

Which best describes your political views?

• Very liberal/progressive
• Liberal/progressive
• Moderate
• Conservative
• Very conservative
• Prefer not to say

How important is religion in your daily life?

• Not at all important
• Slightly important
• Moderately important
• Very important
• Extremely important
• Prefer not to say

Which age range do you fall into?

• Under 25
• 25-34
• 35-44
• 45-54
• 55-64
• 65+
• Prefer not to say

Thank you for sharing your views. Your responses will be combined with others' to help researchers understand where public opinion stands and why — no individual answers will be shared or attributed to you.