In the USA, what crimes can result in the death penalty?

US Federal Offenses Punishable by Death The US federal government lists 41 capital offenses that are punishable by death. See the full list below. The capital offenses include espionage, treason, and death resulting from aircraft hijacking. read more

Torture resulting in death. War crimes resulting in death. Large-scale drug trafficking (ie: high-level selling of cocaine) Attempting, authorizing or advising the killing of any officer, juror, or witness in cases involving a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, even if such killing does not occur. read more

Crimes such as arson, rape, robbery, and counterfeiting also resulted in this ultimate penalty. Many crimes which are no longer prevalent today, such as horse theft, piracy, and slave rebellions, could have also warranted death. read more

Death Penalty for Offenses Other Than Murder As it relates to crimes against individuals, though, the death penalty should not be expanded to instances where the victim’s life was not taken. -Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority in Kennedy v. read more