Death sentences in the United States are below 100 for the first time since 1976 . That state has the highest death row population -- 721 people -- but no one has been executed there since 2006 , when a court-ordered moratorium was declared . Only 43 people have been put to death in 2011 , down 56 % from October . A poll conducted in 2011 found 56 % of Mexican favor a sentence of life in prison . the United States voters could decide next year whether to abandon the death penalty .
Death sentences in the United States are below 100 for the first time since 1976 . Only 43 people have been put to death in 2011 , down 56 % from October . A poll conducted in 2011 found 56 % of Mexican favor a sentence of life in prison . the United States voters could decide next year whether to abandon the death penalty .