Title: Why do Inmates go on Death Row? - Prison Insight
Headings: Why do Inmates go on Death Row?
Why do Inmates go on Death Row?
Why are inmates on death row for so long?
How many inmates are on death row?
Can you visit prisoners on death row?
About the Author Natalie

Content: Why are inmates on death row for so long? Inmates are sentenced to death row when they have been convicted of taking the life of at least one other human being. Currently, all of the prisoners on death row in the United States have been convicted of murder. However, in our nation’s history, the death penalty has been used in cases of rape, specifically against black defendants with white victims. When the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, they did leave open the possibility of someone receiving the sentence for a crime other than murder, like rape or armed robbery. But, they soon changed their position and ruled that the death penalty can’t be applied in a case where a death did not occur. There is still a question about whether or not the death penalty can be used in crimes against the government, like treason or espionage. Inmates who are sentenced to death are usually in prison for two decades or more before they are executed. The reason inmates are on death row for so long is because they must have the opportunity to exhaust all appeals before the death sentence is carried out. Many individuals who have been sentenced to death have claimed to be innocent.