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Capitol punishment is brought to America
The first recorded execution in the new colonies was that of Captain George Kendall in the Jamestown colony of Virginia in 1608. -
Virginia Governor enacts over 200 laws that can result in the death penalty.
Crimes which warrant such action include killing chickens, and trading with Native Americans. -
New York Colony enacts laws punishable by death.
The New York Colony enacts laws punishable by death1665. "Under these laws, offenses such as striking one’s mother or father, or denying the “true God,” were punishable by death." -
Congress Establishes Federal Crimes and Their Punishments
Bills are created and passed in the establishment of a judiciary system. Laws are being made, and with those laws, the punishments. -
The first federal execution is carried out.
Thomas Bird is executed in Massachusetts. -
Michigan abolishes capitol punishment.
The only exception to this is 'treason'. -
First use of the electric chair.
Thomas Edison's engineers assist in the first execution using electricity. It soon becomes the proffered method of execution. -
Gas chamber is used to execute someone in Nevada
Gee Jon, member of a Chinese gang is killed after being convicted of murdering a rival gang member. -
Furman v. Georgia rules death penalty unconstitutional.
This case sets a legal precedent. -
First inmate exonerated by DNA evidence
Kirk Bloodsworth is exonerated after DNA evidence proves that he did not commit a crime. -
Federal government resumes carrying out of Death Penalty.